Hosea 6:1-6

For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6, NRSV)

Sometimes I think we get hung up on rules and ritual. Sometimes I think we get so involved in “getting it right” that we fall short of what God actually requires of us. I love the polity of the United Church of Christ probably more than many do. I love that we have a big fat book of how to do stuff – how to ordain, how to take care of fledgling pastors, how to commission, how to…you name it, we have a particular order of doing that. It’s amazing!

But sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in our rules and regs that we forget to know God. Yet, getting to know God is the greatest thing (Prov. 9:10); an on-going reality throughout our lives; living our days reflecting awe for our Creator.

Rules, regs and ritual are important to the ongoing life of our churches, believe me! But it is all meaningless unless we first grow in our knowledge of God who simply wants our love. Let us use this waiting time to grow in our knowledge of God.

Holy One, I pray the opportunities of this day draw me nearer to your heart, deepening my knowledge of you. May your reflection be visible in my actions. Amen.

– The Reverend Fay Ann Blaylock, Zion United Church of Christ, Rulo, and First Christian (Disciples) Church, Falls CIty