United Church of Christ in Medfield

The Deformed Self

As you may or may not know, one of my ongoing concerns about our culture is its assumptions about the nature of the self.  I refer to it as the Idolatry of the Sovereign Self and consider it a debasement of who we are in Christ.  I would argue that modern notions about the self actually make us less of “ourselves” than God has intended as his Image Bearers.  Scot McKnight has an interesting and insightful blog this morning at his Jesus Creed blogsite that I recommend that you read.

Thought for the Day

All of life is conducted within boundaries.  Relationships have the limits of not being able to meet all of our emotional needs.  Work cannot be a source of identity.  Health and beauty cannot become idols.  And to cross these limits is to discover that we have lost our ability to enjoy them as good gifts.  Freedom is found not in escaping limits, but in discovering the goodness of life within them.

—M. Craig Barnes

Sunday’s Prayer

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.