Doom to those resting comfortably in Zion and those trusting in Mount Samaria, who lie on beds of ivory, stretch out on their couches, eat lambs from the flock, and bull calves from the stall; who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp, and, like David, compose tunes on musical instruments; who drink bowls of wine, put the best of oils on themselves, but who aren’t grieved over the ruin of Joseph! Therefore, they will now be the first to be taken away, and the feast of those who lounged at the table will pass away.                                                                Amos 6:1a, 4-7

It’s tempting to read books like Amos and think about how the prophet is railing against other people; it’s much harder to consider that these words might be directed at us. Imagine Amos speaking to us in 2016...

Shake me when I take my room for granted and when I trust in the things I have. When I lie in my bed, and stretch out on the couch for a nap. When I eat without thanking or thinking of what my food costs someone. When I settle for laziness, and when I try to be someone else. When I love what I have. When I want the best, but don’t care about those who don’t have anything! Help me care about something that matters, instead of holding on to what will pass away.

Peter Wischusen

365.org