Help support the vision of Woodland Hills Community Church!

Help support the vision of Woodland Hills Community Church!
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Thursday, September 4

Today’s Readings: Psalm 36; Exodus 15:22-16:10; Luke 14:12-24; Romans 13:11-14; Psalm 95

Some folks think the biggest challenge to living a life of faith is facing hostility or opposition from others who see things differently than you. I would strongly disagree. In fact, there are days when I think it would be good to face more hostility or opposition for when you encounter hostility or opposition at least it shows that people care about something. No, the biggest challenge I believe we face these days is a challenge that’s so sneaky it flies completely under most people’s radar. That challenge? Complete apathy when it comes to a person’s spiritual life. So where does this apathy come from. Multiple places. For some the apathy grows out of busy lives that leave little time for people to devote to their spiritual growth. For others, it’s a manifestation of their theology (i.e. God loves me no matter what, so what’s the point in pushing myself to find time to devote to my spiritual development?). There are dozens of other explanations as well. So what got me to thinking about the challenges apathy poses? Today’s Gospel reading from Luke. In that passage we hear the story of a dinner party thrown by an unnamed man. The host sent out invitations widely – only to get inundated with excuses for why his guests couldn’t attend. So the man responded in the most appropriate way possible - by casting his net wider. The most encouraging aspect of Jesus’ story for me is the host’s burning desire to fill his table. The most heartbreaking aspect of the story? His guests’ absolute apathy. So let’s pretend that this morning you received an invitation inviting you to God’s bounteous feast. How would you respond? Would you beg off the invitation – coming up with one of a dozen excuses about why you don’t have time for God? Or would you slow down and recognize God’s burning desire to be with you and find time to be with God? The interesting thing about this morning’s exercise is that it’s not completely hypothetical. You can get a good idea of how you would respond based upon your willingness to find time for God this – and every - day. Til next time…

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