Virtues and Vices: Part 1 - 'Virtues and Vices'
This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
Here are some questions to consider:
Readings:
Romans chapter 12 verses 1 - 3
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Prayer and Reflection:
Loving God, help us to be honest in our evaluation of ourselves. We ask you to help us to think and talk and pray into the way we use the bodies you have given us. Help us to do the things that are pleasing to you, and to give ourselves as living sacrifices to you. Help us to love you, and to love other people day by day, and to make the right choices that are in live with your good, pleasing and perfect will for us.
Amen
Questions to Consider
1. Considering the list of ‘virtues and vices’ above, how do you think you are doing – what are the things that jump out to you to work on?
2. Have you made any resolutions, goals or commitments for the year ahead? If not, why not take some time to pray about this?
3. Have you written down any reflections recently? When will you next do this?
4. With whom might you talk through some of the things on your mind?
5. Do you have a set time to spend with God in prayer and reflection?
Recommended Resources
Books: You are what you love (James K. A. Smith)
Choose Life 365 (Simon Guillebaud)