I was in a conversation yesterday with a person from a differing theological background. I made sure that the conversation included my standard, "I am a Lutheran (in part) because the Lutheran tradition does not have a doctrine of church - we do not consider ourselves The Church, but a theological movement within the Church." Thus, we can articulate this theological position without ever needing to determine whether our input is the "correct" one, or if the position taken by another might be right. We are committed to helping the whole church understand God's Word and live our God's will. We refuse to say that one group is doing this right and the other wrong.
The conversation arose around a topic of great import. "What is the purpose of a Christian life?" My conversation partner held the understanding of "being saved and gaining access to heaven." Gently (gentleness is always a matter of perception) I tried to suggest another way of looking at the question. Sure, salvation's last enemy is death. We need not fear the grave. Eternity is ours. But making access to heaven our reason for following Jesus seems to be a bit narcissistic.
I returned to yesterday's conversation when I turned in my devotional guide to today's readings. Contained there is the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. It words are often repeated, appropriately so. I remind you of them today and I encourage you to look for opportunities to live them. They are a wonderful reminder that God calls us into discipleship for the sake of the world. Our eternal, heavenly home is a bonus at the end of a well-lived life.
Here is the prayer. Take time to meditate on each line. Make time to bring each line into your day.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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