Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Be Holy (Temperance Sunday)
Luke 6:43-45
Rev. Dennis Abraham

Youth Chaplain, South East Region
43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. 
 
This week, the Church meditates on the theme, “Be Holy,” to remind us about our God-given role in giving glory to our creator God, who created us in His image and likeness. It is a great privilege, but comes with a great responsibility. Not only to exist, but to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

            The world has a different understanding about the body: that we are the owners of our body and we have authority over it. We need to understand that as God is our creator, we are not owners, but instead, just stewards. The same goes with all our positions and possessions. Our struggle and striving for holiness should also empower us to bear fruit for the kingdom of God.

 We may never be purely holy; our life is an attempt to become holy. We acknowledge this in our Holy Qurbana Liturgy, when the celebrant bishop/priest says, “Holy things for Holy people,” and the congregation responds by saying, “Holy is the one Father, Holy is the one Son, Holy is the one Spirit.” Through this response, we are acknowledging our unworthiness as God’s children, acknowledging that the Holy Trinity is holy.
 
When others see us, they should not see us simply as a friend or human being; rather, they should be able to say that we are Christians. Do we simply assimilate to the general society, or do we make a difference in society? Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:19). To bear fruit is to honor God with our bodies, souls, minds & spirits, and to be able to bring others into the same experience, with faith and hope in the risen Lord.
 
Let us spend time in reflection and pursue transformation, and positively and creatively respond to God’s call. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

PRAYER

Lord God, help us to understand that You have created us in Your image and likeness. Help us to honor You with our bodies, souls, minds, and spirits. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
  We are created to be creative and bear fruit. Let us respond positively and creatively, and fulfill our God-given purpose, for His glory

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