Our Daily Bread: Rom 8:12-17; Luke 13:10-17

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Paul warns us, as daughters and sons of God, against allowing ourselves to become slaves to the flesh. This goes beyond inappropriate behaviors involving eating, drinking and sexual activity. We live in such a consumer-driven culture that it might not occur to us that we are also being warned against the pitfalls of materialism or perhaps just plain selfishness. In these times, when so many are experiencing economic hardship and global disaster threatens, let us thank God for what we have, actively seek ways to help those whose need is greater than ours, and explore a simpler, more neighborly, more earth-friendly lifestyle.

*Lord, teach us that being your children calls for simplicity, sharing and stewardship.