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A Word for the New Year

January 9, 2021

I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you…
…for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy, 6-7 (NIV)

Contemplating the words of the elder disciple, Paul, to the much younger Timothy, we enter the year reflecting on pain, calling, identity, and provision.

Our country is experiencing extraordinary pain. The temptation to fear is real. But Scripture is galvanizing. Paul reminds us of our agency. Created in the image of a loving God, we are gifted and empowered to make choices that serve the best interests of others and our society.

God gives us a spirit of love, power, and self-discipline. These three attributes temper, balance, and strengthen one another. Consider how power without love and self-discipline begets destruction. Love without self-discipline begets obsession. Self-discipline without love begets isolation. We need all three to thrive and function as mature people.

We are grateful for God’s Spirit, our comforter and counselor. We are grateful for you, our community. May we be filled this year with the hope and Spirit of Christ, who came as a babe and walked among humans to heal, reveal, and save. Going forward in 2021, may we all attain to greater understanding and persevere as we daily rekindle the gift of God within us.

Your friends at Upper House