By Abby Walker
Lectionary reading for 3/7/2022: Psalm 17; 1 Chronicles 21:1-17; 1 John 1:1-7
Selected passage for reflection: 1 John 1:1-7
Read
1 John 1:1-7 NRSV
1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our[a] joy may be complete.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Reflect
It’s hard enough to tell the truth, let alone embody it. In a world where different equals divided, and the slightest difference could mean the end of a relationship, it’s no wonder we’re lying more often.
Usually we know when we’re telling a lie, but it’s less apparent when we’re living one. To know the truth and to speak the truth is not the same as actually living the truth. In an attempt to protect our fragile selves and connection with others, we put on our protective shield, our ego. And every time our ego is activated, Christ is deactivated. John makes it clear that the only way to live out of truth is to live as Jesus lived. It doesn’t matter what you know or speak, but what you do.
The gift of incarnation was not a gift for Jesus, but a gift for the rest of us. Both incarnation and resurrection are an invitation for us to let the ego die, so Christ can rise within us. This is the only hope of truth taking on form in our lives and bearing witness to the world.
Respond
As you walk toward the cross this season, take time to allow for God to reveal the lies you believe, speak, and embody regularly. Where are you attempting to keep the peace at the expense of truth? What lies have you gotten comfortable with?
How might you begin to let go of the lies, and make room for truth?
Rest
God of Truth,
Fill us with your wisdom. We repent of our inauthenticity, and ask that you reveal to us your truth, so that when we are able to reflect Christ to creation. May Christ be revealed in me.
About the Author
Abby Walker is an ordained Covenant pastor and certified Enneagram Coach. She’s a coffee-loving bookworm, dreaming of new expressions of spiritual community, and mom of four powerful women who will be leading the world soon: Stella, Lucy, Mabel, and Harper. Abby would love to facilitate the Enneagram at your next meeting or retreat, and is available for 1:1 coaching at Integrative Enneagram.