Doing Hard Things

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sometimes it is difficult to get things done. You set out with a plan for the day, a list of things to get accomplished. And, almost as soon as you get started, it seems, things are derailed. An unexpected phone call. A slew of activity on Facebook. A breakdown of equipment. Something is bound to come along and lay waste to your best-laid plans.

It is even more difficult to get things done when you do not want to do them in the first place. There is always something more interesting on the internet. Something is always wandering about in the yard outside the window. Some other project, whatever it might be, is always more intriguing or seems more important. Anything at all that you can come up with in order to avoid doing the things you do not want to face.

Face it – how many people actually – really, truly, honestly – enjoy hard work?

"The Calling to Which You Have Been Called"

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You have often heard me say that Christian life consists in these two things: in faith and then in good works; that after coming to faith a person should be pious and lead a visibly good life. Most depends on the first part, on faith, and the second is not at all equal to the first in importance, although the world thinks more and better of it than it does of faith, preferring good works to faith (What Luther Says, para. 645).

This is how Luther briefly describes the relationship between the two parts of the Christian life. Faith and good works. Faith is the chief thing, but good works must follow. However, faith is always the deciding point, the hook upon which the Christian life hangs.

Your salvation rests on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice, and not on your own merit or worthiness. While you were yet sinners, Christ died for you. In the fullness of time, the Father of all mercies sent His only-begotten Son into the flesh to bear your sins and be your savior. The Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, has taken away the condemnation of your sins and guilt. His blood has washed you clean and made you pure and holy.