March 18, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Live Genuinely

When a consumer buys a product that includes the word “genuine” on the label, there is an expectation that what has been purchased is real. Genuine leather brings the expectation that the product is not “faux leather” – but the real deal. To live genuinely, then, means to live in a manner that is real and legitimate. To live a life of genuine faith then means that our faith is real and legitimate. This is the tangible demonstration of what is sincerely on our hearts and where our treasure is, not simply a verbal expression.

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who…trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” Romans 4:3-5

“God’s love sets us free to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Not because we need to earn our salvation, but because everything we do is a response to all that we have been given. Just as our work on behalf of our neighbor is a reflection of our gratitude to God, our financial giving is also a “thank you” to the gift of Jesus in our lives. Through the work of our hands across the globe and through the generosity of our hands in our weekly offerings, we share God’s boundless love with the world together.

Marked with the cross of Christ forever,
we are claimed,
gathered and sent
for the sake of the world.

(Mission statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

You probably have known someone whose life was or is an expression of genuine faith. We see enough “fake” expressions of gratitude, love and faith in this world that when we see the genuine article, it, or they, really stand out. Abraham is just the perfect example of someone whose life was directed by genuine faith. When G-d asked Abraham to do something, Abraham did not hold back. He left his home town and his father’s land to follow G-d’s call. He had the guts to press G-d on whether G-d would spare the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah if even 10 people of faith were found to live in the midst of the sinful cities. My friends, this Lent, let your love be abundant and unconditional, and your offerings of time, talent and resources be the genuine articles.

Pastor Dave