Day 27: May 31Scripture: Luke 9:23-25 Recently we were discussing John Wesley’s Three General Rules in confirmation class. We talked about the ways that the students, as middle schoolers, could “Do no harm, do good , and stay in love with God.” One girl shared an experience from school. She had noticed a new student who was rather overweight and didn’t seem to have any friends. In fact, he was the object of teasing from the others. She decided to go talk with him. She told us that her friends warned her about being seen talking to this new and already unpopular student. “But,” she said, “I went and did it anyway. He needed a friend and I know what that’s like.” This sixth grader is already “making firm” her faith and knows the seriousness of Jesus’ invitation: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me..” The cross is not the misfortunes that come to all of us in life. It is rather the things we do intentionally to stay faithful to the way of Christ. It is not just the right answer to a question that may come up in confirmation class. It is being in love with God and God’s sometimes unpopular people. What would happen if all of us took Jesus up on his invitation? We would risk our lives, for one thing. For another thing, our churches would be overflowing with people who may not be popular but who have been attracted to Christ through us. May it be so. Prayer: O God, make us courageous and willing followers of Jesus. When things get difficult, help us to see others the way you see them and love them as you love them. Amen. Mary Beth Blinn |