Devotion - Thursday, September 26

This morning's reading from I Corinthians 2 spoke to me.  In verses 14ff, Paul addresses bickering among the faithful.  They seem to be attempting to boast over who it was that shared with them the word of God.  Was it he, Paul, or did they owe their conversion to Apollos.  Paul reminds them that it makes no difference.  Whomever it was that planted the seed or watered the seed, it is God who brings the growth.

Too often we see the one doing the planting or the watering.  Too often we identify ourselves with that individual.  We talk about being "Lutheran," or "Methodist," or "Presbyterian."  As if that really matters.

Luther once wrote (I will paraphrase a bit - working from memory), "Do not call yourselves 'Lutherans'.  Who is Luther than any one should be known by that name.  There is but one name by which we ought to be known and that is the name of Christ."

I wear my Lutheran badge proudly.  It identifies my theological sensibilities.  It becomes shorthand for those who start up a conversation with me.  But it is not the name which brings me salvation.  That name is the name of Jesus.