Paul's farewell talk of his dedication to God leads to a comment in my Lutheran Study Bible on Luther's "theology of the cross." The idea is that we should all be "little Christs" to our friends, our neighbors and people in need. We should do this out of our love for God. Luther's idea was out of response to what he called the "theology of glory" wherein faith and God's favor brings prosperity. Being a little Christ doesn't mean taking on a burden, it means living our lives for the sake of others.
If you didn't know already, the mission statement of the ELCA is "Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world." This mission statement is something I am truly proud of in the ELCA. The words are both straightforward and profound. Talk about passionate spirituality....
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