Trust and Obey

DAILY READING

Psalm 135; Daniel 3:1-30; 1 John 2:3-11

FIELD NOTES

Are we saved by grace, or are we saved by works? This theological question has been around a long time and is as important today as ever. The Reformation seemed to clear this up for us. Luther was certain: the church stands or falls on justification by faith in grace. 

But…scripture always challenges us to think both deeper and higher. Yes, it is true we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—that is God’s unmerited grace working in our lives! But, as today’s scripture from 1 John reminds us, if we do not obey the commands of Christ and live as he lived, that faith is dead. None of us can say we know Christ and then not follow his command to love our neighbors and to love our God. Such a thing is antithetical to the very idea of a deep and abiding faith. It’s what Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace.”

Today, give thanks for your salvation and pray to walk as Christ walked; to love as Christ loved; and to be in the light as he was in the light.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• In your faith journey, have you found yourself emphasizing faith or works?
• What stands in your way today from wholeheartedly walking as Jesus walked?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What kind and loving things can we as a family do today to demonstrate and live out our faith?

PRAYER GUIDE

God, thank you for the gift of salvation through Christ. Help me on this day to love my neighbor as myself, and my God with all my heart.  Amen.