The Good Debt

S

(Romans 1:14,15) I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians [non-Greeks], both to the wise and the foolish [unwise]--hence my eagerness to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome (NRSV).

O

Paul rocks. Who else could have slingshot this truth between my eyes? What did he owe everyone?To the extent that it was possible for him (12:18), he owed everyone the preaching of the Gospel. Why? (1) Because he viewed us all as members of the same family: the word humanity was coined to acknowledge our common Heavenly Father and our common elder brother, Jesus Christ. (2) Because of the message of the cross provides universal salvation. (3) Because of the reality that all believers have access to all-sufficient grace. (4) Because Paul, like each of us, contributed to humanity's suffering in ways that he (we) couldn't recompense or pay restitution.

A (Personal)

Do I act like a debtor or a creditor? Do I think I owe others any obligation or do I think the world owes me? Does God see me as my brother and sister's keeper despite my denial or avoidance of that reality? Do I hold others responsible for bailing me out? The lifestyle of indebtedness is moral reality, while expecting service or even benefit from others is apparently an idiot's fantasy.

A (Psychological)

The people who work in domestic violence, whether with the abusers or victims, as well as the people who contend for gender and social justice have warned of the abuses of power and control. The mindset that seeks power over others or being "one up" on others (rather than seeking shared power and mutual service) has been statistically linked with abuse--obviously. We tend to divide people into haves or have nots, wise or unwise, ethnic insiders or outsiders, rich or poor, served or servants, included or excluded, worthy or unworthy. Whether a cultural victor or victim, both groups still tend to say of the other, "you owe me!" Paul turned that upside down, saying, "Regardless of what group you identify yourself with or even me with, I owe you the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Paul points us to a radical new social structure.

P

Lord, until I realized the Truth of what Paul wrote, I thought I was fairly righteous, fairly clean morally. Now I see how far I have yet to go. But I'm not shrinking back! No, I'm pressing deeper. Help me grasp both my indebtedness as well as the riches of Your salvation and grace that You have asked me to share with others who are still in need.