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“In truth, I suspect that very few of us, in even our wildest imaginings, could ever desire to be the kind of persons that the New Testament describes as fitting the pattern of life in Christ.”
I’ve been thinking (despairing) a lot about this this week. I’ve been through this anxiety of faith before after a group I was part of read a certain book. What I discovered in that time and again this week is that each believer lives in a certain context. For the early Christians following Jesus looked radical because it was dangerous. I don’t live in that context. But I/we can follow Christ into all of the vocations we have as employees, husbands/wives, dads/moms, sons/daughters and neighbors, etc. etc. If we fail in any of these, then thanks to Jesus we can repent and try again and again. This kind of following will never be considered “radical” or make headlines. But it’s just as important, all the same. I think I have Martin Luther to thank for this realization, if I remember correctly.
JoelG,
You are absolutely correct in saying that our vocations are godly and yes, Luther lead the way in understanding this.
I affirm that we can certainly be salt and light simply by living our daily lives according to the ways of Jesus.
There are important distinctions that I believe still can be made between the present day church and the early church.
The early church had a huge emphasis on gathering, supporting and loving each other. This is still the case in a few places, but we are basically an individualistic society creating our identities around many things other than Jesus.
Anyone who thinks the early fathers would have embraced anything akin to Trumpism is …very, very, uninformed.
No need to ever despair over these things…they are just conversations we need to have as we try to navigate our own times faithfully.
Thank you Michael. That helps very much. I despair over many things and get emotionally knocked about too easily (mental issue). I try to remember that Jesus tells us to
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I certainly hope so…
JoelG,
You’re safe here and safe in Jesus…I enjoy thinking through all this stuff, but it’s not meant to be a burden on anyone.
JoelG,
Those words of Jesus and so many others have been a real source of comfort and strength to me over the years as I falter and fail more than not in walking with him.
JoelG,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Joel,
What helps me when I fall into despair and worry over the failings in my walk, are these words from KeyLife.org….”God’s not mad at you”.
I miss seeing MLD’s comments around here. He might be glad I am becoming a Lutheran. Or he might be concerned for my pastor…
MLD would be glad you’re becoming a Lutheran if you’re joining with the LCMS…any other Lutherans are anathema to him.
As is this site…