Lists, lists, lists

This is going to be my last post for the month of August. As of next week I am going to be on vacation with my family, at least the members who live in the same house as I do, and won’t be back in the pulpit until September. I will miss it, naturally, but I am also very much looking forward to the different routines and rhythms that come with time away.

But, I was in the pulpit this Sunday and I preached from Ephesians 4:25-5:2. This is another section of scripture where we have what amounts to a list of things that we should do . . . at least that is what it looks like. The problem with lists is that they seem to be complete lists simply by virtue of being a list, I am tempted to call lists an example of a self-reflexive totalizing narrative but I think that might be an overreach. What is important to remember about lists is that they are more snapshots of a detail of a moving picture rather than the total picture and as such it is easy to misuse lists.

In this instance, I make the case that Paul is giving us a list of illustrations or examples on his way to his actual point which is that we are called to live in love.

Knox Presbyterian Not just another list

St. Mark’s Presbyterian Not just another list

So give one or the other or both a listen and let me know if you think I am seriously off base with my take on lists in general and this list in particular.

Looking forward to being back here in a few weeks.

Blessings,

PS I used a different recorder and subsequent converter so let me know if you experience any difference in quality, positive or negative.