How's that working for ya?

Readings today included: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, Romans 6. Reflections below follow the S.O.A.P. method explained here:

Scripture verses that caught my attention today: Romans 6:21-22 So what advantage did you then get from the things of which you now are ashamed? The end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life.

Observation: Paul asked a good, basic question that helps keep everything in perspective.

Application: When I was reading in 1 Kings today about Solomon loving some 700 women plus another 300 concubines, my first thought (as a man) was, “wow, that must have been quite a life!” As I read on it became clear that his extravagant life came at the cost of his kingdom. He had gained no real advantage.

Centuries later Paul asks a community of faith in Rome what ‘advantage’ they’ve found in their life after living in a way in which they are now ashamed. His question reminds me of a more contemporary question; “How’s that working out for you?” It’s a good question, though I personally think it works better if we simply ask the question of ourselves.

We can ask the question of ourselves in terms of how we treat people in relationships, how we treat ourselves in terms of nutrition and exercise, how we understand ourselves in relation with the rest of the world, what we’re doing for a living, and, of course, how we understand and practice our faith or even non-faith. How well is whatever we’re doing or not doing, thinking or not thinking, working out? And are we recognizing God’s amazing claim on us that is meant to give our lives the deepest of meanings now as well as the eternal extension?

Prayer: Lord thanks, once again, for reminding me of the bigger picture. In Jesus’ name, Amen.