TUESDAY, June 8

Psalm 62. Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride.

For three years I taught at an international private school in England. Over time, I realized the school was being run as a money-making enterprise. Students were suffering in their studies as a result. Most of them were boarders from a distant country. Few parents actually witnessed the deteriorating condition of the school.

I felt caught in the middle: having and voicing concerns about various immoral aspects of the school, but going with the flow to protect my job. My conversations with school administrators were difficult. In the end, it was obvious I was getting nowhere, so I left the school.

In our working lives it is critical that we make clear the fundamental tenets of our faith and stick to them. All around us we see the hypocritical and even evil actions of those sunk in greed or a lust for power. In working with and deriving our income from such people we become part of the problem instead of part of the solution, and in essence become recipients of "stolen goods."

Blow whistles, question authority; but above all ask God to guide you toward work which glorifies his kingdom rather than the fallen world. (2003)

PRAY for the Diocese of Derby (Canterbury, England)

Ps 61, 62 * 68:1-20(21-23)24-26; Ecclesiastes 8:14-9:10; Galatians 4:21-31; Matthew 15:29-39

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Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Jun 08, 2010 at 1:20 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

I find the "stolen goods" argument fascinating. How far does a dirty dollar have to go before it is cleansed? Perhaps seven transactions?

I know that if I'm aware of a crime I should report it. But if I'm not aware, and buy stolen goods in good faith, am I corrupted by the goods?

I also know that it's not what goes into me that corrupts me; but, what issues forth from me.

-2

A good rule

Jun 08, 2010 at 7:50 am

Written by Stephen,

Psalm 62 seems like a good set of guidelines to follow. Repeatedly it equalizes humanity "Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion". The last verse sums it up:"for you repay to all according to your work". There are consequences. Salvation is not just a one time alter call, but a living out of God's promises and our response. We live in a culture of entitlement. I don't mean people on welfare. It is us, the good Christians that feel we own the USA and "those other folks" are trying to take it from us, the the popular phrase of some is "we want our country back". Who is "we" and what is "ours". Suddenly we wake up to the fact that this really is "my land and your land", but ultimately God's to share. Yes, it is good to question author-ity, including my own.

...

Jun 08, 2010 at 9:05 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Well spoken Stephen. Many things about life that seem unfair are are easy to blame on, "those other folks". That argument is used regularly by tyrants and bullies. I find that the only way that I can get centered with God is to accept responsibility for everything that I participate in; as the writer in today's meditation implied. That fact is at the core of my daily confession. I am so embarrased to come to God every day with the same load of junk; and, so awed and full of wonder and praise to Him that He accepts me and loves me.

But he also gives me work to do, and reminds me to share more and help others more and more each day.

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Jun 08, 2010 at 9:06 am

Written by Marco,

I am the administrator for a church. Not an Episcopal Church, however, that doesn't matter. I am asked to "look the other way" because members and staff of that church do have a great feeling of entitlement. We have events and sell alcohol and should have an ABC license and don't. We should pay sales tax and don't. We pay people "cash, under the table" and should not. I have gently reminded all that we need to set a good example and especially be lawful. I've done what I can do, or have I?

Work which glorifies

Jun 08, 2010 at 10:54 am

Written by Gaye Anne McWade,

The last line stood out to me. Whistle blowing isn't the end goal. Humbly asking God to guide us to the path that glorifies Him is the key point, I think.

...

Jun 08, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Written by Andrea,

Today's meditation and all the comments really spoke to my heart today. I'm dealing with some ongoing issues in my work - nothing illegal or really even immoral, but troubling. I teach at a major public university, and changes are being made in several areas (some that affect the program I administer) that will have what I believe are negative effects on students. The changes are due to budget shortfalls, which are caused by both the dire economic climate in our state and also by the budget priorities of state and federal politicians. What can I do? What should I do? I pray to God for guidance to express my concerns with caritas, knowing that the deans are between a rock and hard place, and to work on what I see as the larger societal issues: the economic conditions in my state, the shift in higher education toward seeing knowledge as a product, the shift toward richer and richer students crowding out the poorer ones, the budget priorities of our federal government.

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Jun 08, 2010 at 10:54 pm

Written by Sheri Christi,

The comments bring to mind Jesus statement in John 7: The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth because I testify of it that the works thereof are evil. God can use us to clean up the world, but we have to be able to take the heat and bear the cross - which is hard!

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