by Timothy F. Lull

II. The Christian's Disciplines.
a). The Christian hungers for God's Word, takes refuge in its promises, finds energy in its challenges, and is prepared for the discipline and the benefit of life-long Bible study. He or she knows that Scripture is both simple and complex and needs interpretation.

b). The Christian encounters God's word not only in preaching and Bible study, but also in baptism, the Supper, confession, and mutual consolation and conversation with brothers and sisters.

c). The Christian knows the catechism--is familiar with the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the meaning of the sacraments. These, especially the Commandments, are important tools for daily living.

d). The Christian knows the need of prayer, and longs for prayer to become a habit or a discipline, rather than an emergency measure. The Christian learns to offer adoration, thanksgiving and confession as well as requests.

III. Christian Vocation.
a). The Christian knows his or her vocation, having found a concrete place where God can be served in daily life. Some Christians have jobs, and many serve God through them, but the concept of vocation is broader, embracing both work and leisure, the employed, the retired, and those who work at home.

b). The Christian knows that the best opportunities for serving God are often close at hand--in family, work, community and local congregation. The Christian struggles for balance among these various claims.

c). The Christian finds great joy in concrete things--including those activities which add joy to life and build real fellowship among people. Among these, music has a special place.

IV. Christian Realism.
a). The Christian does not expect perfection in his or her life. But despite setbacks along the way, the Christian asks God for growth in faith and hope and love.

b). The Christian does not expect perfection in society through any specific program of social or political change. Having said that, he or she is very interested in finding practical, concrete ways to serve the neighbor and to help those who are in need.

c). The Christian does not expect perfection in the church. He or she knows that reformation is needed in every generation. Nor are the church's leaders expected to be perfect. But the Christian hopes they will provide collegial and persuasive leadership, and will exercise clear patience and good teaching in times of change.

V. Contentment as the Goal.
a). Because the Christian knows that God's presence is often hidden in this world, he or she seeks as a life goal that special contentment of which St. Paul speaks in Philippians 4:10-13. Both joy and sorrow are things that come from God and which can be endured by trust in God. God's grace is sufficient for us, and in time we may even come to admit that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12).

(revised version of a document from Silverdale, Washington, January 1995)

Timothy F. Lull
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary/Graduate Theological Union
9 December 1996