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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 18, 2007 How Shall We Live Then? |
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Frontline Devotion for Sunday, March 18, 2007 by Gary Shaffer
Mark 9:30-41
How shall we then live? Some Teachings.
One of the tensions that the Christian experiences is how to live a life of faith in a corrupt world. The teachings in these verses offer a real sense of how Jesus answered that question.
Ours is a society that is used to catchy ad line. "Got Milk?" "It's the Real Thing" The ad line, the catchy phrase, the memorable slogan. The way to catch our attention, sell an idea or a product. A means to remember. A number of years ago, the catch phrase that I remember being prominent on posters and bumper stickers was "Christ is the Answer" When we look at our complex and corrupt world, a world that frequently does not make sense, we are probably reassured by some understanding of the point that is being made when we hear "Christ is the answer." So I have the answer, but I'm still left with the questions. Christ is the answer. God offers us forgiveness. God embraces us with love. We are saved through grace of God. Yes. But what do we do about divorce? How do we fight the evil we encounter? How do we then live in this corrupt world?
The questions have not changed since they were asked of Jesus two thousand years ago.
The verses for today offer some simple and direct answers to our age old question. Not easy answers but direct.
Simple kindnesses extended to others are important.
Do not cause a weaker person to stumble or make it easier for another to sin.
That which is coming between us and our obedience to God should be removed from our lives We are to both be salted and to be salt. We were sent into the world to deal with that which is corrupt.
We are to strive to lead moral lives in an immoral world.
It is part of God's call. It is not easy. It is important. It is how we try to live a life of faith in a corrupt world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the strength and wisdom to live a moral life in an immoral world that I might be a testament to your love and presence in a world that too often seems controlled by evil. Help me to witness through simple kindnesses extended to others and understand the importance of being faithful your call to live a life of Christian discipline. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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