Listen

So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but it isn’t an obligation to ourselves to live our lives on the basis of selfishness. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:12-13

Think

“Are you just trying to get me to talk about myself? Because if you are … I will gladly do so — in song form!” Giant crab Tamatoa speaks these words to the title character of the movie Moana. Tamatoa can’t wait to sing all about himself — how beautiful and shiny he is.

If we’re honest, we have to admit we like to focus on ourselves. So much we encounter on a daily basis encourages us to make choices that allow us to live a “me”-centric existence. But we don’t have to let selfishness be the driving force in our lives. Our center is occupied by the Holy Spirit, the Companion Jesus promised (John 14:16-17). The Spirit helps us say “no” when we’re tempted to say “yes” to things that only leave us feeling empty. Filled with the Spirit, we see things like love, joy, and kindness breaking through our selfish tendencies.

Jennie Barber

Pray

Holy Companion, walk with me today. When I stumble, draw me back to the center so your work can flourish in my life. Amen.

Go

Walk in the wild, beautiful, holy life of the Spirit!

And trust…

The creative Spirit that hovered over the waters molds you.

The promised Spirit that Jesus breathed on his disciples fills you.

The powerful Spirit that poured out on the early church calls you.