In 1555 Johann Arndt was born. As the son of German Lutheran pastor, Johann watched first hand as the Reformation took shape around him and his family. He watched as it changed the church and the leadership of the church. After studying in a number of local schools, Johann entered into pastoral ministry in 1583. Combining a strong Lutheran doctrinal background with the mysticism and contemplation of Bernard of Clairvaux and John Tauler, he offered the church something it was missing--something that would shape us.
Arndt stressed that right doctrine (right orthodoxy), while necessary and important, was alone insufficient to help a Christian grow and mature in their faith. For Johann, true Christianity was union with Christ through individual and corporate spiritual transformation and repentance. As we purify ourselves, and spend time with Jesus in devotional settings, Christ helps us grow and deepen what we believe and how we live our beliefs out.
His seminal work was a manual for pastors and priests entering the ministry. Perhaps today as you read this you might notice how Arndt's words are applicable to you and I in our missional context today. He wrote:
"True Christianity consists, not in words or in external show, but in living faith, from which arises righteous fruits, and all manner of Christian virtues, as from Christ himself. Since faith is hidden from human eyes and is invisible, it must be manifested by its fruits inasmuch as faith creates from Christ all that is good, righteous, and holy. . ."
In other words, right doctrine, while necessary and important, is not the primary way to grow toward faithfulness. Right practice, what we might call ortho-praxy, is of equal importance as we live as the church. We have a lot of opportunities to 'be the church' which is nothing more than 'living as the church' for others.
I wonder if today you might find a chance to live 'rightly' in your community. I wonder who it might impact and how it might shape you?
Blessings
Rev. Derek
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