Reformation

This weekend the church celebrates "Reformation". History has chronicled the factual, observable indications of the reformation. There is information on the ELCA Website -- www.elca.org -- regarding what was going on culturally, politically and economically when the amazing Holy Spirit prompted a German monk named Martin Luther to write and post documents that worked as a catalyst for change in the church. These changes, of course, have reverberated now for almost 500 years!

I want to offer some words about reformation as it applies to each of us and all of us as we serve together in mission. How does that same Holy Spirit that nudged Martin Luther speak to each of us today?

In terms of faith formation, "re-formation" can be applied to the faith foundation that exists at the core of all you are and all that you do. That foundation has essential characteristics that thrive most and are most authentic when they are open to constant re-formation. What does that look like?

As you were claimed at the moment of baptism as one of God's children, you were infused with the character and the gifts that would enable you to accomplish what God intends for you. As you live and move in the world, you are formed....and as the sin of the world bumps up against any sin residing in you, you may have moved (slightly, or in some cases, dramatically) from living, thinking and relating to others in ways that serve Christ's Mission.

Say, for example, that you have been blessed with the gift of teaching. Say, too, that a series of life's events have moved you away from the passion to use that gift to serve others. Sometimes an institution disappoints us. Sometimes our own poor choices obscure the vigor and vitality with which we can use our gifts. Sometimes we serve with little regard for responsible, balanced stewardship of our gifts, and we begin to see ourselves literally hanging on by some thread. The outward sign is that we experience little or no joy, and we experience variations of generosity when we are contemplating how we are to respond to the knowledge that we have: "I've been there and done that....now it is someone else's turn!"

These are specific examples of what it looks like when the teacher is ripe for renewal and re-formation. By taking sincere, intentional time in the presence of God, who is the source of the gift of teaching (or giving, or mercy, or compassion, or whatever gift you embody)healing and re-direction can occur. Obstructions can be removed, resistance can be softened, and the places where your gift meets some need in the world can be seen with greater energy and clarity. You may discover a surprising path opening before you that had never crossed your limited vision -- in other words, you may find yourself reformed....even transformed....and your sure foundation in Christ may suddenly empower you to serve in amazing and miraculous ways. We are always to be maturing in faith, always becoming more Christ-like....and that can only happen through the continuous process of formation.

You have been formed and molded by the God who knows you better than you know yourself. Allow your self to step away from the false lessons or invitations of the "world" so you may be "reformed" in that Christ Like fashion that was begun with your baptism!

Posted by Pamela Czarnota at 8:30 AM 0 comments