I was drawn to the same part of these chapters as Bethany was last time, and I loved her reflection on them.

“But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, ‘The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!‘ But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave to your ancestors to keep forever.” 7:5-7

Pay attention: if you are being told that your safety, comfort and finances are God’s ultimate priority, we are being fooled.

If you are told that standing under the umbrella of Christianity gets you a get-of-jail-free card, we are misunderstanding grace.

–

Do you find yourself hiding under the blanket of religion?

What does your relationship with God prompt you to advocate for?

-Carly