Calvary Lutheran Church, NALC

Currently, I have begun reading a book entitled, "Luther's Thought On Justice, Law, and Society" by F. Edward Cranz. The author's main thesis is to track Martin Luther's development of Christian ethics in the light of Luther's Reformation theology. Chief among the questions that Cranz considers is "How is a Christian to live in the world?" and "What specifically does Luther say about what a Christian is to DO in society?".

These two questions are extremely poignant when considering what we are to be doing as Christians in society today. Lutherans have always been in the trenches when considering what the Christians role is 'in the world'. Certainly our message is grounded in grace through the redemptive work of Jesus, but the challenge always folds into 'now what?'.

There is no doubt that since the modern/post-modern movement of the 19th and 20th Centuries the Christian church's challenge is to find its role (modus operandi) within society without becoming secularized. Cranz suggests that although Luther's reformation thought unveiled a move toward the Christian's calling in and toward the world, Luther never waivered from the notion that justification in Christ always precedes a Christian's calling to serve. True Social justice, in this matter, can only occur within the light of redemption. In essence, in matters of ethics, the question of what comes first the chicken or the egg is always answered with Christ.

Luther understood that all people, regardless of belief or religion, can serve God through their vocations or stations in life. But Luther suggests that true servanthood only comes by way of being made free in Christ. Thus, the church's role within society is always to unbind sinners in Christ Jesus so that they can freely love the neighbor.

Put it this way...when was the last time that you acted purely selflessly? Even good deeds are often self-serving, ie. Look at what I've done, I deserve a 'thank you', etc... Jesus in the Gospel of Luke suggests that one should not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. When considering this, Christians must always be alert and concerned when preachers (or Church leaders) preach about justice and the like. Rather, what Luther suggests is that a Christian should find fulfillment in serving God and neighbor through their vocations and stations in life.

Fathers and mothers are free to be 'selfless' in serving their families. Workers find fulfillment in working within their occupations. We are free to observe God working through us in our everyday callings/stations.

So with all this said, I encourage you through the freedom of the Gospel to serve with a pure conscience. Jesus has done all the 'spritual' work that is needed for your salvation...all that is left for you is to serve where you are.

If you are a teacher, teach! If you are an administrator, administer! If you are a neighbor, serve your neighbors! The weight of being a super-human is taken off your shoulders...YOU ARE FREE TO BE YOU! ENJOY!