Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:7-8
“Is there no reconciliation of some ancient quarrel, no payment of some long outstanding debt, no courtesy or love or honor to be rendered to those to whom it has long been due; no charitable, humble, kind, useful deed, by which you can promote the glory of God, or good-will among men, or peace upon earth? If there be any such, I beseech you, in God’s name, in Christ’s name, go and do it.”
Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-1881), English churchman, Dean of Westminster, known as Dean Stanley, in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 204.
Today marks my last post in a series on debt. You will have to wait until tomorrow to see the next topic. With this meditation, I am giving the dean of Westminster Abbey the last word. “In Christ’s name, go and do it.”
Go reconcile any broken relationships. Pay outstanding debts. Show love and courtesy to everyone. Extend charity with humility to those in need. Bestow good-will and peace to all. You will look different from the world around and, in so doing, bring Christ glory.
“In Christ’s name, go and do it.”
This is a fitting transition because the house has become empty. Jenni and Sophie leave this morning. Sophie returns to San Diego Christian College for her final year. Sammy has returned to work at Front Range Christian School. I am home alone with Joy (our dog) to contemplate a new topic.
Again, go do the good that needs to be done in the name of Jesus everyone!