Word for Word: Rev. Kevin Smith

It just happened today that I opened a study Bible I recently acquired. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular; just admiring the study helps articles in the margins.
The page I opened to was the one with Psalm 39 on it. In those first three verses David is struggling to hold his tongue in the presence of the wicked. Immediately, I began to relate to David’s problem.
The more he tried to keep from speaking the harder it was to keep silent. David did finally speak but not in the same way I probably would have.
David first asked God to show him how short his life is compared to the big picture of an eternal god and this creation. He observes that the wicked vainly go about heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will be in the end. David also speaks of how God disciplines by consuming wealth like a moth.
Reflecting on this Psalm, I easily connect it to Jesus warning not to collect up for ourselves wealth on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but build up for yourselves treasure in heaven.
Building up treasure in heaven is not as simple as doing good deeds, praying, giving alms or going to worship. While these things are of great value and should not be neglected; they are only natural responses to the real building up of treasure which is growing your relationship to God.
According to the Hebrew Scriptures, we are made in the image of God. This includes those to whom we regard as wicked or unworthy.
By holding back his tongue from uttering harmful remarks aimed at tearing down those who were causing him grief, and openly recognizing the folly of certain attitudes and actions; David was able to show the sin without attacking the person of the wicked who, just as we all are, was made in the image of God. How hard it is to grow in relationship with God when we attack those who are made in his image. Too often we equate the things that are sinful with the whole person.
I wonder what our political campaigns would look like if the candidates respected the image of our creator, present in everyone, as much as David did; or what our own relationships with each other would be if we all held each other with such high esteem?

Your brother in Christ,
Rev. Kevin Smith
United Methodist Church
Lansing and New Albin