| Who Do We Think We Are? - article by Joel Hempel What would you call someone who is insensitive and disrespectful, divisive and argumentative, boastful, arrogant, and judgmental? How about someone who is idolatrous, thoughtless, pretentious, and whose passions are out of control? What about churchgoers who sue each other, deny the resurrection, and are theologically ignorant? Does the term Christian come to mind? I’ll tell you what St. Paul calls them: Sanctified saints, beloved brothers [and sisters], God’s fellow workers, justified in Christ, commendable, baptized, God’s fellow workers, empowered by the Spirit, God’s temple in whom the Spirit dwells – that is, the body of Christ. All of the above descriptors are used to confront and affirm the Christians who were the church in Corinth. Was the Corinthian church unusual, a mission project gone horribly wrong? I don’t think so. But apparently, many individuals in the church and the church as a whole had let their lives spin sinfully out of control. Something had to be done about it. So, Paul, who had planted the church (see Acts 18:1-17), was the one to do it. Paul’s first letter to them pulled no punches. He wasn’t smooth-talking and tactful as the Prophet Nathan was confronting King David. No, Paul was in their face with all their sins and abhorrent behavior. And thank God he was. It allowed them to take a good look at themselves and turn their lives around. His second letter indicates they took his admonishment to heart. How would you describe our church (or whatever church you attend)? If St. Paul were to write a pastoral letter to our congregation, he would surely refer to us as saints and beloved sisters and brothers in Christ. He might even take note of the school we host, our friendliness, how we welcome newcomers, and the unity we enjoy. Because we are also imperfect, what shortcomings and sins of omission might he confront? Would he have any harsh words we need to hear? What would he say to us if the Holy Spirit revealed to him the iniquity we hide in our private lives? Tough lessons in Scripture, like Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, should not be skimmed over as if they were only intended for those people. Such a lesson gives us – the twenty-first-century church – the opportunity to consider if we need to look carefully into the mirror of God’s Law. As unpleasant as that can be, it can also be redemptive. Lutherans have a proud heritage of emphasizing God’s grace, thanks to the Holy Spirit working in the lives of Martin Luther and other reformers. Grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone is our mantra. And it should be! God’s grace, inspired faith, and the church’s dependence on God’s Word are foundational (see Ephesians 2:8-9) to our church’s and individual well-being. And yet, as justified as we are in Christ, we are more. We are called to ongoing repentance and a life of sanctification. What is sanctification? Simply stated, it is being aware of, attentive to, and responsive to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Where does one begin? Pray. Throughout the day, ask God to increase your awareness of when you are making choices that move you toward or away from God and his Way for you. | 
