"Hey, who are U to question Luther?"

I am sure you are asking (or will ask) this question as you read this blog. I wish that you reflect on why you might be troubled by what i say more than by what i say.

Martin Luther's states in his "Small Catechism" his belief about how God has created us and provided us with everything, such as physical form and ability, food, shelter, family, possessions, and protection. He follows this belief with "and all of this out of pure paternal, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness of mine."

Now how can we argue with that. I can't, but he completes his statement of belief with these words, "for all of which I am in duty bound to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true."

Well, it is true that one who really appropriates God's Grace will be thankful and thus desire to worship, serve, and conform to the will of the Father, but is it true that this desire is sourced in duty, a bondage, an obligation to support God in this way? Is Luther proclaiming God's view of our response to His Grace or is Luther somewhat influenced by the equilibrium imperative (exchange and equity) associated with his flesh?

I ask this because I am constantly amazed by how subtle our carnal mind works to create in us anxiety, fear, guilt and pride to rob us of the joy, freedom, significance, and hope that God desires for us thru His redemptive work of the Cross.

This is something that is always worth pondering .....  

 "Stuck in Stinin' Thinkin': The Divie Alternative" is all about helping you challenge the stealth influence of your flesh.