Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Luke 3:10-14

After having been confronted by John the Baptist for their evil ways, the crowd, as one, wants to know, "then what are we supposed to do?" (Luke 3:10). They recognized that the message preached by John demanded something from them. But, what was it? Two words come to mind that summarize John's answer: compassion and contentment.

We are to have compassion for those who have not. We are to treat others how we ourselves would like to be treated. It's a compassion that goes beyond our feelings and is translated into action. If somebody asks you for something, give it to him or her, John says.

Many times we get so caught up in executing something to the letter that we forget to do it -- whatever "it" is -- as if we were doing it for the Lord himself. We drop a few coins in the homeless man's tin cup, but we look away as we do it. We write a check out for a missions project or other church need, but we forget to pray for the recipients of our generosity. We lend our time at a soup kitchen, but do not give ourselves in the process.

In Spanish, the word compassion is "compasión" which literally means "with passion". Perhaps it is this "passion" that is sometimes lacking in our giving. Yet we are reminded time and time again throughout scripture that what the Lord wants from us is not what comes easy to give, our leftover time or resources, but our first fruits in all we do or are. So, from today on let's strive to be not just compassionate Christians. Let's be passionate with our compassion.

Second of all, I think John's answer to the question "what are we to do" talks to us about being content with what we have. After all, it's not what we have, but who we know, which will actually give us joy. John invites us to look at the glass as half full. To focus on what we have, not on what we don't. And to be content -- or happy -- with it.

Let us face this Advent season with joy for the child who was given with passion and for the God who loves us just as we are and is content to call us His own.

Ana Orsini

All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.