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we are loved unconditionally by Christ, we are free to open our eyes and really look at the issues. Without Christ we continually return to living legal-
istically and judgmentally, as if it was our job to decide who is deserving or not—to, in other words, play God. We hear the term “the deserving poor,” which assumes some people don’t deserve respect, economic opportu- nity, health care or housing. Yet we confess in the creeds that none of us are deserving. As Lutherans, we have a “cross and resurrection theol-
ogy,” which means we are no longer measured nor do we measure others by their economic worth. Christ became truly human for us, suffered death and rose again. We are liberated to love, respect, support and serve all people. Lutherans don’t believe in a “theology of glory,” which
is really all about the individual, personal salvation and gaining all that he or she can. Te Lutheran theology of the cross and resurrection means we walk with the Christ who walks with suffering people, including those who suffer economically. Christ’s victory over death
means privilege, “power over” and economic empires no longer have dominion. In Mark 10 the
disciples were talking about favored positions while Jesus was talking about being joined with him in baptism. Jesus spoke of people who “lord it over” those whom they rule. He added: “It is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant. ... For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve …” (Mark 10:43-45). Jesus didn’t scold or command. He simply said: “But
it is not so among you.” In Christ, we are called not to unrelenting competition but to powerful servanthood.
• Third article: The Spirit and the church. “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life ....” In Te Lutheran and in our congregations, we see
amazing stories of people in the church serving others. Te Spirit continues to creatively call the church. We became the body of Christ in the world. “Tere are many members yet one body. Te eye
cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ ... You are the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:20-21, 27). We believe the Spirit is the giver of life. Congregations need to welcome, include and minister among people across socioeconomic boundaries. Economic inequality is as much about power as
money. Te world believes I must acquire more power so I always have more than you. But in the Spirit’s economy, if you have more power, I don’t have less. And when we use the Spirit’s power for life-giving means to support, heal and save people and the earth itself, others will be empowered too. In Christ, power itself is transformed. Powerful servanthood is certainly a challenge. How
can we even understand each other? We listen to dif- ferent news sources. We need to talk about these things together, understand the issues and deal with economic inequality. We are called to become active in shaping policies that are good for our near and global neighbors. We need to listen to those whose cries are heard by God. We don’t need to fear those named “of no worth”
MICHAEL D. WATSON 18
www.thelutheran.org
becoming filled with power and potential because together we can become life-givers in the world. We have a common calling to advo- cate for opportu- nities for all. We are a resurrection people.
Author bio: Everist is professor of church and ministry at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.
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