Dishonouring His name by 'glossing'

I don't remember everything I read. I don't have a photographic memory. This is why I need to re-read them.

In my daily reading today (among other books, I'm currently re-reading Martin Luther's Large Catechism), I came across the following:

'By nature we all have this lovely virtue that whenever we commit a wrong we like to cover it and gloss over our disgrace so that no one may see or know it. No one is so audacious as to boast of the wickedness he or she has committed. We prefer to act in secret without anyone knowing about it. When someone is caught, then God and his name must be dragged into it, so that the dirty business may be made honorable and the disgrace noble.' (Large Catechism, 2nd Commandment, 59-60)

I was struck how true this still is. When we do something wrong and our conscience is struck by it, we either try to cover it up, excuse it, or sanctify it. By doing so we bring dishonour to the holy name of God we bear. It's therefore better to be honest and confess our wrong, make no excuses, and seek forgiveness.

We all sin. Glossing over, justifying, or making our sin seem honourable in some way doesn't get rid of it. It still stains us until we expose it and hand it over to be washed away by Christ's suffering, rejection, and death. We honour God's holy name by appealing to him in prayer, praise and thanksgiving.

I look forward to more gems of wisdom and insight over the coming days...

Luther & Aesop

This morning I was reading an article titled 'Luther's Aesop' in a theological journal called Logia. I was interested to discover Martin Luther loved Aesop's fables even though they're pagan stories. He loved them so much he compared them with the writings of the prophets and the psalms. This doesn't mean he considered them to be the inspired word of God or that they should be used in worship, but he considered them to be very helpful to teach young people good morals in schools.

One was quoted that I thought worth sharing (that Luther had reworked):

Of the Dog in the Water

A dog ran through a stream of water and had a piece of meat in his mouth. 

But when he saw the reflection of the meat in the water, he thought that it was also meat and he snapped eagerly for it. 

But when he opened his mouth the piece of flesh he had fell out and the water carried it away. 

So he lost both the meat and its reflection.

Teaching

One should be content with what God has given him.

He who disdains having a little will not have something bigger.

He who wants to have too much, will have nothing in the end.

Many lose what is certain for what is uncertain.

Perhaps Aesop's fables are worth extra consideration, even today.

Simple pleasures

Yesterday I enjoyed one of the simple pleasures in life - licking the chocolate bowl!

Julie was making a chocolate cake and all the girls had left for school. I was working away and she came in to offer the bowl to me to clean it up. I took it without much hesitation! Even though Julie scrapes it very clean, there was still enough for me to savour and enjoy.

Recently we went on holidays. This time we didn't spend great amounts on entertainment (except viewing a couple of films in some cinemas fitted out with worn out second-hand chairs), yet some of my fondest recollections was of the simple things: reading some good books, walking along beaches, watching birds fly and dance in the air, observing some dolphins play in the distance, attempting to body surf, going for walks, and spending time with family.

In this age of entertainment, perhaps we've forgotten to notice and thank God for the simple pleasures. I'm also convinced God doesn't always bless us in the big or impressive times, but through little, almost unnoticeable times, perhaps even in some of these simple pleasures. Unfortunately many expect great and memorable moments in worship or in their faith journey, only to be disappointed.

Although I'm the pastor and generally know what's coming on Sunday, I'm not looking to be entertained or looking to receive big 'Aha' moments, but I'm looking forward to more simple (yet holy) pleasures. I'm looking forward to singing ancient and modern hymns. I'm looking forward to hearing those around me, no matter how in tune they are or unimpressive their voices are, as they sing about their faith to me. I'm looking forward to saying the Creed which we say every Sunday (unfortunately often in a very monotone cadence). I'm looking forward to listening to God speak to me sweet words of forgiveness and comfort. I'm looking forward to holding a small wafer of bread and sipping some wine knowing Jesus is truly present in this holy (and largely unimpressive by worldly standards) meal. I'm looking forward to hearing those words of blessing which send me out on my way for another week of pain and joy.

Ahhh, simple pleasures!

Mowing, lawns, weeds and sin

Yesterday I was mowing the lawn. I reckon it's the 5th time in five weeks. I don't mind mowing the lawn, but finding time every week when there's so many other things I'd rather do (or should do) can get a little annoying. 

When I mow the lawn, I listen to music on my MP3. Artists like Billy Joel, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, the Waifs, John Butler (and many others) entertain me as I whip the weeds and mow the grass. Despite the music that fills my ears, many things cross my mind.

One of my thoughts that crossed my mind was about the lawn I mow (mixed with an assortment of weeds). It's been growing fast (hence my need to mow regularly). The rain comes, the sun shines, the lawn grows. It looks good (in most places), but it looks better when I mow. When the rain didn't come, the lawn didn't grow much, but the weeds still grew (amazing how resilient those weeds can be!). Not the same weeds as I currently have, but there were weeds anyway. 

As I reflected on this fact, I also reflected on my life as a Christian. When times are abundant and things are going well, the weeds of sin still affect my life (like the weeds of greed, selfishness and pride), in fact they could be growing faster and be more abundant than before. I may not notice them so much because I'm also focussing on the green lawn. Yet during times of suffering and trial, the weeds of sin still grow (like jealousy, bitterness and unforgiveness). They're more noticable because there's less lawn (read: less good times) than before. The sins that affect me aren't always the same during good and bad times. Sometimes they are (just like some weeds grow in drought and good seasons alike), but some weeds are unique to the season.

Where does this leave me? Well, I'm now finished mowing. As I write I hear some more rain coming on the roof. The weeds and grass are going to grow again!

I'm a sinner. I can't always control myself. The weeds of sin seem to come in so many varieties and at times I don't always plan or expect, both in good times and bad. I suppose, just like my lawn, I need to be cut back through repentance, and receive the gracious words of forgiveness again (and again and again and...).