Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

St. Paul’s message is such heart-warming news…until we get to that last part about having to suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with Him. We are God’s children but we usually don’t know this in a deep, intimate way until we go through some form of suffering. Our childhood programs for happiness…the endless attempts to satisfy our egos…must be dismantled so that we come to know that God is at the center of our existence…not our egos. These selfish programs for happiness must die…so that our true selves can be discovered and that we can truly live! It is called the way of the cross. We are each called to follow Christ in being a loving, forgiving and compassionate response to persecution and a culture that rejects us. We are called to build the kingdom of God. One day we will experience the glory of that kingdom in its fullness.

Suggested song of the day—“You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!