When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. – Psalm 104:30
Historians often credit October 31, 1517 as the “red letter day” of the Protestant Reformation. On this date, the 33-year-old German monk/professor Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. Luther had some serious misgivings about the administration of the Church in Rome and wanted to spark a discussion that would lead to reform. Albeit harsh and often intolerant, Luther’s hunger for justice and his concern for biblical integrity stoked a flame that still burns bright in our world today.
In every generation, there are people like Martin Luther who detect inconsistencies in belief and practice and work to make change. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they bring agitation and inspiration meant to renew our faith and reform our mission. Yet, in an age where it seems everyone has their own “Wittenberg door” (social media), it can be difficult to know which Luther deserves a hearing. This is where the spiritual practice of discernment comes in.
Discernment asks the pertinent questions. Not only “Does it feel good?” or “Does it line up with my opinions?” but “Is it wise? Is it loving? Does it reflect the whole witness of Scripture? Does it pass ‘the sniff test’ (i.e. Does it smell like Jesus)? Have we lifted this to God in prayer?” These aren’t foolproof ways of evaluating a movement of the Holy Spirit, but they move us toward a posture of receptivity and wisdom. May we as a congregation seek the continued reform of the Church and rely on the Spirit to renew the face of the Earth.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Beau