We choose who we are

"Christian faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is." I had to read Luther's writing a couple of times to put this statement, along with his comment on things effecting the physical body but having no bearing on the soul, and his statement about freedom and duty all together. But he is so right. There are examples throughout history of people who suffered much physically but would not alter they conviction. Aristole we read about early. Another example is Joan of Arc. I've become a great admire of who she was and what she did. And I think she fits Luther's ideas of Christianity not being easy, a Christian man being the most fee but also the most duty bound. Christianity not an easy thing. In our reading alone we should be able to recognize that following a conviction is not an easy thing. Many many people were persecuted for their religious beliefs. Such was so at the time of Christ. I've aready mentioned Joan of Arc. The Jews. The Mormons. The Quakers. These persecutions included being driven from the homes, torture in hopes of a recant of their beliefs, and often time death. Freedom: Many might ask, how is there freedom in such persecution. I believe, from personal experience, that when we follow our convictions there is freedom in not having to worry about what decisions we are going to make. By having a conviction many decisions were made before the need arises. Take for example, I decided many years ago that I would not drink alcohol. My basis doesn't matter. So when approached about it as a teenager, I found no difficulting in saying no. I didn't have to worry or stress about what the other person might think of me or "what should I do" sort of thing. It provided a great freedom and peace. And although a choice about alcohol may seem insignifant to some, it definitely wasn't life threating, although it does remove the chance of killing myself or someone else because I was drinking and driving, the same principle applies. When I am convicted to an idea or principle, freedom from distracting choices or alternative ideas is inherent. Duty to others: Someone who professes Christianity becomes duty bound to his fellow being. You know, the golden rule sort of things. If I believe you are my brothers and sisters under God, then I am duty bound to treat you a certain way and to protect to from others who would treat you otherwise. It makes me be a better and involved person in every aspect of my life. A better parent, a better neighbor, and thus a better citizen. So while from last week's reading I was disappointed that Luther's enthusiam for his beliefs lead him to do some things I don't believe were in line with the very beliefs he professed, we are all human and all have our failings, he did have it right.