Isaiah 57:1-5

Isaiah 57:1-5
English Standard Version (ESV)

 Here we see Isaiah lamenting the lack of righteous men in Israel.  Things have gone sideways, and no one is noticing because they are too busy pursuing their own selfish interests.  They lack an interest in the larger picture, and they have failed to heed God's call to be a faithful people, allowing their lives to serve as an example to others.  Everyone is waiting for someone else to act, but no one believes it is their responsibility.
  As we enter the new year, I think it's important to think about our role in society.  So often we tend to wait for someone else to lead.  We don't think of ourselves as leaders, or we wonder what might happen if we take a risk.  When you think of your relationships, at the home or at work or in your social circles, do you see opportunities to proclaim the Gospel through word and deed?  How can we set examples that make it clear what our priorities are?  Do our choices reflect what matters most to us?