Rubbernecking

 

Rubbernecking

“Rubbernecking” is what we do         When caught in a traffic snarl Anxious to look at what happened         And who was involved Most of the time it isn’t the accident         But the “rubbernecking” That hinders traffic progress         And delays our schedules Sunday’s Pauline epistle lesson         Speaks of theological “rubbernecking” How anxious we are to see how others live their faith         And quietly making judgements about them Just as in a traffic jam         Such behavior hinders our own spiritual journey Distracting us from our own grace connection         Our own faith smugness blinding our own sin failures Reminding that we are both sinner and saint         Paul suggests we stop Looking at those around us         And look in the mirror instead As we do, the shallowness         Of our rationalizations and justifications Become painfully and undeniably real         Revealing our need for God’s tender mercy It is then that the grace we speak about         Finds its place in our deepest heart Transforming our attitude and actions         From criticism to compassion In living out the implication         Of what the gospel declares Our focus is not what others do        But what Christ has done for all Thank you to Rev. Don Schaefer- Southeastern District Northern Facilitator- for this Devotional Reflection.