8-12-2020

 Good Morning All, 

         1 Corinthians 10:31; “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

    While discussing Luther’s views on vocation in a confirmation class, we talked about what was meant by the words “sacred” and “secular.”  It took a little time and a little coaxing, but we finally agreed that “sacred” referred to church work or church activity.  So, being a minister was considered a “sacred” occupation but being a public-school teacher was a “secular” occupation.  We also decided that Sundays, some Wednesdays, and whatever day religious holidays occurred were “sacred” days and times.  The other days were secular.  When we got done and the kids were confident of their answers, I wrote on my whiteboard “THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SECULAR!”  Well that went over like a lead balloon so I explained.

    If you are a Christian, that is your identity, you cannot shake it or avoid it.  That is who you are, that is what you are, always.  For many people, there faith is a lot like the suit or extra nice dress they have in the closet.  You put it on for special occasions but the rest of the time, it just hangs in the back of your closet.  For a Christian, for a true redeemed child of God, it is more like your skin, you never leave home without it.  Our faith, our true faith, is shown by the way we act.  This was Jesus’ message to the Pharisees when he called them hypocrites.  They acted holy but they were crooks and thieves; they knew it and Jesus knew it.  For a true Christian, whatever we do, we should do for the glory of God.

    We do things for the glory of God when we help or take care of our neighbor and not just any neighbor.  I was telling my class that if they stopped and helped me mow my lawn that would be a nice gesture, but I really do not need the help.  I have two riding lawnmowers, a push mower, and a weed eater.  I can mow my small lawn.  They really should visit the person who needs the help; someone who is too ill to do it or lacking a lawnmower or lacking the time.  In other words, the neighbor we help should be the one in most need.  This should be regardless of this person’s popularity or likeability or ability to pay, none of that should enter in, only the need of the person.  Some theologians point out that when Jesus called a child the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, it wasn’t about the child’s innocence but his neediness, his complete dependency on adults to care for him.  A couple of theologians have suggested that this child that Jesus lifted up may have even been deformed or disabled in some way, completely dependent on others.   

    So, as you and I go out and about, we wear our faith, for good or for ill, for kindness or harshness, we wear our faith.  God calls us to live a life which is to his glory and for the benefit of your neediest neighbor.  Since our own future is secure by the resurrection of Jesus, we only have to serve Him until his return.  There is nothing secular; everything shows our faith.

Heavenly Father, lead me to be your willing servant.  Open my eyes to the suffering and pain of my neighbor.  Lead me to anguish in their suffering that I may come to their aid in love and compassion.  Guide me by your Spirit.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret