WE WORK ON IT

 

On the topic of being a Christian, Maya Angelou once responded "I'm working on it." Her response captured a sentiment that resonates with many of us, that faith is not a destination, but a journey. Angelou was known for her major contributions to literature in poetry and memoirs. She was a model for so many of us. Not only did she immerse herself in her work, but she spoke the wisdom she learned throughout the years in doing it as the person she was always striving to become even through a life of trials.

 

Writing to fellow believers in Philippi, Greece, the apostle Paul urges them and us to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Phillippians 2:12). We can't earn our salvation through works because it is a gift of grace. Salvation is an ongoing process of deepening our relationship with God, growing in our faith, and aligning our lives with God's will. Paul says that it is God who will work within us to accomplish God's will, which is a part of God's purpose for us (v.13).

 

Angelou finished her statement with, "I try to be as kind and fair and generous and respectful and courteous to every human being." Her response reminds us that being a Christian is a daily commitment to learning and becoming more like Christ. Just as she was "working on it," we too should embrace our faith journey with humility and a sense of purpose. It's about being persistent and staying open to God's transformative work in our lives.

 

Namaste

Rev. Elder Akosua McCray

 

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -- Maya Angelou