Martin Luther was a prolific writer. That is understated! At seminary, I was awed by bookshelf after bookshelf in the campus library that were just his works. He jumped on the technology bandwagon of his day – the printing press – and produced the most comprehensive collection on theology and the church ever compiled. For a change of pace, I’ll share a mere sampling.

“This life, therefore, is not godliness but the process of becoming godly, not health but getting well…we are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way…At present, everything does not gleam and sparkle, but everything is being cleansed.” (Defense and Explanation of All the Articles)

“Since this faith is a new life, it necessarily produces new impulses and new works. Accordingly, James is correct in denying that we are justified by a faith without works.” I found that shocking coming from Luther; do you?

Regarding a faith that does not issue in a transformed life, Luther wrote: “In fact, this is not faith at all; for it neither renews nor changes the heart. It does not produce a new man but leaves him in his former opinion and way of life. This is a very pernicious faith, and it would be better not to have it.”

We are incorporated into God’s story. There is still so much to learn from keepers of the tradition, teachers, and preachers of long ago. God desires growth in us, willing to have our mind, heart, and soul opened to the viewpoints and faith stories of others. As Lutherans we have a tradition that grounds us but doesn’t shackle us into rigidity. May God’s unconditional love be reflected in your life story.

Pastor Art