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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion March 14, 2008 DIFFICULT CONCEPTS REQUIRE MENTORS IN THE FAITH |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, March 14, 2008 by Pastor
Dave Sonnenberg
Reprinted from March 31, 2003
I have the good privilege of being able to help out in my daughter's first grade class every other Monday. It's fun as you get to know the kids and help them out with spelling or reading or in today's case, math.
The first graders are currently learning how to count using coins. I discovered that a concept that seems so easy to me is not so easy when you first encounter it. As I worked with a few kids this morning, I realize how difficult it is for some to realize the difference between a dime, a penny, and a nickel. The concept of counting by fives and tens and ones seems easy to an adult, but really takes a lot of practice at the beginning. It also helps to have others helping them as they learn these difficult concepts. What is fun for me is to realize that this is probably my best chance to be seen as a math whiz. In a few short years, these kids will be teaching me how to do math.
In the spiritual life, there are many concepts that adults struggle with- concepts like forgiveness, love, compassion, patience, stewardship, empathy, justice, mercy. They are concepts that require spiritual mentors - people who will walk with you and show you by example. In this 21st century, we can not afford to live our faith in isolation. In the areas we struggle or have difficulty, we need to seek out those who can guide us and teach us. We need the benefits of Christian community - wherein we can learn from the collective experiences of others.
So as not to sound so abstract, what I am encouraging you to do is intentionally "hang out" with Christians you admire. Spend time with them in an informal way. You end up absorbing and learning about compassion (for example) by being with someone who is compassionate. The more time you are with them, the more you absorb the subtle nuances of spirit filled outreach. The more time you spend with a giver, the more you learn about the joy of giving. The examples are plentiful.
Get on the phone. Set up a time to get together with another faithful Christian. Go out for coffee. Set up a time to golf. Get together. Learn together. The life of faith is not easy and we can't go at it alone.
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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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