A WORD FOR TODAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2021

*A WORD FOR TODAY

*PLAY YOUR OWN ROLE, BUILD NOT DESTROY

_For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.(Colosians 1:29)_

_*Today we read the testimony of the Apostle Paul, a man who is obviously aware of his role in the body of Christ and by extention the society of Gentiles which he serves as minister.*_

_St Paul is not deterred by the sufferings he has to bear as he carries his work in the body of Christ. He is rather conscious that the power of God is at work in him and such sufferings were the price he had to pay to build up the body of Christ._

_*As Christians, we must try to identify our place in the church and society, and through the power of God working in us contribute our own little to the building of the church and society. We must shun all enticement to destroy.*_

_In the Gospel of the day, we see Jesus doing good. He healed the man with a withered hand despite the controversy he knew it would bring him. He was more interested in healing the sick man than saving his name by letting the withered hand remain in a state of destruction._

_*When it comes to doing good to save a life and obeying the law of the Sabbath always choose the former because that is what Jesus did and that is what will help us to be like Him in this life so as to be with Him in heaven.*_

_Like Jesus, we must constantly think of what to do to help others to get well and not to destroy them and pull them down as the Scribes and the Pharisees did. Do not be on the watch out to rejoice when people fall or just target them to fail, instead contribute to their rising and help them to become better through your encouragement and positive criticism rather than the negative one which kills ones spirit. Stop hating people who seem to be doing better than you, be like Jesus whose heart is filled with love and you will be happy forever._

_*Good morning dearest one. Be cheerful 😊as you add value to people around you today.  May Jesus be with you and may He help you contribute to the building up of the body of Christ. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Colosians 1:24:2:3/Psalm 62:6-7, 9/Luke 6:6-11

*Watch-Word:* For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you

*Refuse to be a trouble maker. Ensure that all your actions do good to someone and helps to build the church and society.*

(Monday of the twenty third week in the ordinary time, year 1)