Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
EXAMPLES FROM THE REFORMATION: FRAU COTTA
We all know what happened in 1492. Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Five years later, in 1497, Martin Luther was 14 years old and attending school in the city of Eisenach, Germany. Eisenach wasn't Martin's hometown. It was about 100 miles from home. In those days, students from out of town had to pay to stay with someone else. Many students went from house to house asking for money and food. Martin Luther joined some other boys and as a choir they went about singing for money and food. In the course of time, Martin met a fine example of Christian kindness and goodness in Ursula "Frau" Cotta.
Ursula Cotta was the wife of a wealthy merchant who recognized Martin Luther, having seen him in church. She took him into her home and provided for his needs in love. She also encouraged Martin to be kind and helpful by looking after another nobleman's son. God's grace was at work in Frau Cotta and young Martin saw her example.
Society has changed in many ways since 1497. Our society today has become a hand-out society. Some will even refuse to work, lest they lose their handout. It would be easy for Christians to become skeptical when people come to us with their needs. We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). We are also to be kind and tenderhearted, showing the love that Christ has for us in our dealings with others. We want to be both willing and prepared to help those in need.
God help us to use the gifts that He has given to us to His glory. God help us be balanced, willing to help as Frau Cotta, while also being wise stewards of the goods that God has given us, remembering that the earth is the Lord's and everything in it.
We need not worry that we will run out, for our God is gracious to us -- and through us.
In sickness, sorrow, want, or care,
Whate'er it be, 'tis ours to share;
May we, where help is needed, there
Give help as unto Thee!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 439:5)
