Re-formation

Inspired by Matthew 22:34-40 and 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 

Reformation Sunday, 2020

How boring would it be if we never changed?

    If we never grew or 

    learned new things or 

    never let our interactions 

        and relationships with other people

        make a lasting impression on us?

We feel like the safest thing is to always stay the same,

    to hold on to the principles and lessons taught us from our birth.

But what if those things hold us back?

What if the easy thing is not the best thing?

What if the safe way is not the loving way?

What if we become so rooted in our comfort

   we pass up the chance to become something 

        better and more beloved

        than we ever imagined we could be.

How much courage does it take to welcome re-formation?

How much power are we willing to give up?

How much privilege are we willing to cede to those who have 

    different voices

    different experiences

    different expectations

       than our own?

It takes a lot!

Jesus taught us that over everything else

We should love God and love our neighbor

    with all our heart and mind and soul

    with everything we have and everything we are.

That's it - that's the tweet.

Everything else is static.

Re-formation isn't just a holiday on the Protestant church calendar.

It's also what Jesus calls us to live out every day

    by stepping out of our comfort zones

    by listening to another witness

    by speaking up for those whose voices have been silenced or ignored

    by giving up the microphone to someone else who will say, 

        "Let's think of this a different way."

Re-formation happens when we stop taking the easy way out,

    when we stop taking the path of least resistance

    and start taking the path of excellence

Re-formation happens when we assume the demands and risks of love

    with confidence and courage that come as a gift from God.

Re-formation happens when we seek to please God, not others

    as our first and foremost duty of faith.

Re-formation happens when we share ourselves with others,

    allowing vulnerability to be our default position, 

    instead of something we allow only as a last resort.

And when re-formation happens

    the main thing remains the main thing...

    Love wins!    

    EVERYONE WINS!!!

(C) Deb Luther Teagan - October 25, 2020