Excerpt from Psalm 12

"Help, O Lord, for there is no longer anyone who is godly; the faithful have disappeared from humankind."

Reflection by Kelly Brill

It's so easy to develop a negative mindset about other people.  Turn on the TV news at night and receive a rundown of that day's crimes.  The newspaper gives details of a terrorist attack on humanitarian workers in Afghanistan.  A politician is caught in a web of lies.  Once you start looking for it, you can find ample evidence of people embroiled in all kinds of terrible behavior.

I heard Tony Campolo speak during the time that he was advising President Clinton.  Someone asked Campolo, "How can you work with someone who disgraced both the country and his family?"  His response moved me.  He said, "I don't believe that the line between good and evil is found in the space between me and another person.  I believe that the line between good and evil runs smack down the middle of each one of us." 

Remember Paul saying that ALL of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God?  Instead of focusing on the mistakes of others and feeling discouraged about all of humanity, I try to remember to look honestly at my own life and change what I can for the better, one day at a time. 

Prayer

I confess, forgiving God, that I would rather complain about the sins of others than make changes in my own life.  Help me to do better.  Amen.

About the Author

Kelly Brill is the Senior Minister of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, Avon Lake, Ohio.

About the Author Kelly Brill is the Senior Minister of Avon Lake United Church of Christ, Avon Lake, Ohio.