Practicing the Better: Gathering the Fragments

There is much more that we could explore about practicing the better from the perspective of the Old Testament, but creation, covenant, and sabbath are sufficient to reveal the recurring dynamics of light, life, and love.  The trajectory is set concerning the essence of practicing the better.  It is an arc of shalom in which we participate.  With the insights of the Old Testament in hand, we can sketch the contours of practicing the better.  God calls us to…

–move into every situation to increase the light,

–to offer life, 

–and to give love.

Like the ancient Jews, hundreds and hundreds of commandments are too many to remember, but we can remember three things: increase light, offer life, and give love.  This is the template for practicing the better anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

We will turn in upcoming posts to see how these dynamics are expressed and enriched in the Christian community.

About Steve Harper

Dr. Steve Harper is retired seminary professor, who taught for 32 years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies. Author and co-author of 45 books. He is also a retired Elder in The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
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