When we are just getting started whether in sports, work, or even life itself, we need an extra measure of support and care. As a small boy I can remember very clearly my mother forcing us to take a shovel full of Cod Liver Oil (well it seemed like it to me) each night before bed. She was interested in the health of her five children and to that end did all she could to be certain we had the food education and nurture to make us strong.
In first Peter 2:2-10, the author is writing in this same paternal vein. With the care of someone wise and understanding along with that of one willing to nudge a loved one in terms of spiritual growth. The letter opens, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation– if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
Though these words were written for the early converts in Asia Minor, they continue to have great value when considering the work of a faith community. That work is one needing both formation and outreach. The formation is the work done within the body of believers in terms of worship, nurture and outreach. The work is the fuel which then enables the community to go forth and demonstrate the Love of God in tangible means in cities, states, countries in the Biblical sense to the world.
One of the things I lean on for spiritual strength is music. Not just so called sacred music; though I like ‘Old Traditional Hymns, along with popular Christian music.’ One of my favorite classic Rock and Roll singer songwriters is Jackson Browne. In part it may be because he is just a bit older than myself, and we both grew up in Orange County. However, it probably is simply because of the words he uses when crafting a song which feels like a musical vitamin, only not as onerous. In a song from the album “Running On Empty,” the words convey a convincing thought. “Gotta do what you can, just to keep your love alive. Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive. In sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my own. I don’t know when that road turned onto the road I’m on. Running on empty, Running Blind, Running into the Sun, but I’m Running behind.” Words like these I find at times can be an elixir for me. Just as helpful as that Cod Liver Oil, and more pleasant to boot.
