September 3, 2006

Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-9; James 1:17-27;

Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Pastor Gary E. Benson

Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester, Minnesota

 

“A Spiritual GPS”  (Godly Positioning System)

Over the past 30 plus years I have been all around the great USA on the motorcycle, North, South, East, West – especially out West.  In that regard, more recently on my travels, I would admit that I have often thought about one of those techie gadgets called a GPS (Global Positioning System – electronic map charting), thinking how helpful would that be?  Then last summer, as our ZLC group was headed for Holden via motorcycle, there was a group of us who had reached a fine DQ west of Spokane, and we commented and questioned where the rest of the group was. How far behind us were they?  Then, they arrived. I commented we had wondered what happened. To make a long story short(er), they had used a GPS, was their response, which took them on a route that was shorter in miles, but it went on a route with many, many stop signs, much unlike the longer but faster route we had taken on the freeway!

 

Neither route was wrong. Was one better than the other? That is up to individual judgment.  The reality of our human nature is that daily and nearly constantly we are confronted with this whole matter of direction and decision making.  We are constantly seeking to determine the right way, the best way.  And for the most part I believe we seek to bring as much wisdom, intellect, and faith to our “life” decision making as possible, and yet, truth is, because of our human nature, we do not always reach the proper decision, direction, or ending point.  Clearly, life decisions are not a matter of simply looking at a GPS with an electronic brain and say, “This is the way, this is the route, and like it or not this is the way we will go and our journey will be meaningful, satisfying, and correct.”

 

Without question, as those created in the image of God and those born in “freedom,” we have the opportunity and responsibility to make choices – and our Lord knows we are not always good at that. Recall the Apostle Paul said, “The things that I should do are the things that I do not do; the things that I do not do are the things that I should do!”  Indeed, simply because we are God’s people does not mean we are a perfect people. We cannot constantly and consistently make the right choices and decisions, or those that please others, our self, or our God.

 

That said, one of the greatest gifts, as Deuteronomy shares we all ought to pray for daily, is the God given gift of “discernment,” the gift of being able to make good, positive, be they Godly, choices.  Such is seldom easy and often messy. How often have you said, “If I could have redone this or that, or if I would have said or not have said – how would life be different today?”  We can’t take life back; what is lived is lived. Words have been said, steps have been taken – we live with the consequences.   The question becomes, however, with what mind and resourcefulness do we speak and act today, as we move forward?

 

In our second Lesson, James writes: “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce the righteousness of God ….. welcome the implanted Word that has the power to save your soul.”

 

Truth is, however, if the Word of God convicts us rather than uplifts us, then what/how do we welcome such word?  If the word is law and convicts us rather than gospel of freeing or affirm good news, how well do we listen, regard, or respond to a Word that seems paradoxical, ambiguous, or simply doesn’t set well with us?

 

In that regard, I recall in a conversation regarding eternity. The person I was visiting with said, “I believe there are many paths to the top of the mountain” (meaning eternity with God!)  At first that statement troubled me (as if to say, if you don’t believe as I do, forget it), and yet it has since freed me.  That is to say, such words convinced me to be strong and bold and proclaim what I believe: “For God so loved the world,” “….to go and make disciples…”  Such gospel words also remind me I am not the judge or the final word; I will leave that up to our omnipotent God.  Yet, in the meantime, as the People of God – baptized, claimed, and sent – our Calling is to discern the Word and Will of God and to live it out clearly, boldly, confidently as it is revealed to us.

 

Know well, however, even with our best human efforts we will fall short as individuals or a church, most certainly – scripture today gives a litany – need we be reminded of our human condition and shortcomings!  To be honest, in my office chair, I hear the shortcomings of myself, others, the church, the ELCA.  But on the other hand, I have yet to meet the perfect pastor, parent, spouse, employer, employee, coach.  The point is not that we fall short (scripture reminds us we have all fallen short of the glory of God, let alone of those around us, or institutions around us). The point is what do we fall back on – human pride and judgment or sacred grace, renewal, and promise?  In the midst of it all, can we claim a GPS – a Godly Positioning System? If so, such will daily point us back to the cross. However, going there may not be clear or easily marked!!

 

Therefore, in the midst of “discerning” life’s journey, be reminded daily of the words we sing in our liturgy, “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and abounding in steadfast love.”

 

This weekend marks for many an ending – the end of summer and the transition to a new season/journey. For some that means new routines, new directions, new attitudes and opportunities. For all it brings forward “new days.”  How will we position ourselves for life and faith for such days?  Will we simply draw on our own human resources, emotions, reactions and responses? Or do we draw on our GPS – our Godly Positioning System – where the Holy Spirit, through Word, prayer, sacrament, and witness, leads us forward in faith? We each live one journey; may we discern faithfully the path we take!