From Pastor Steve
March, 2010

   “Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliationso that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.”  (Philippians 3:20-21)
                                                       'Transformation'
There is a promise here of change that affects the entire human being, body, soul and spirit. Transformation is placed on both temporal and eternal planes.  One word which might help us lean into the promise of transformation is:
                                                        'Sanctification'
As far as God is concerned Jesus has taken away our sin on the cross so we are wrapped in the  holiness of Jesus.  It’s a done deal.  From God’s side it’s all good.  “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”  (Psalm 103:12)
   Then why am I not perfect?  Why do I continue to struggle with sin and selfishness?  Sanctified means being made holy – being made saints.  This word engages us as believers in understanding that the faith life is a process. It is a process that unfolds as God works in us.  We are simultaneously saints AND sinners.  “And” is a key word in Lutheran theology.  We are forgiven sinners – but still sinners.  So the need for repentance and faith are ongoing.
   To quote the exasperated words of the parent driver on a trip with the kids: "No, we are not quite there - yet!"  Please be patient with yourself and with others, God is not finished with you or with them yet.  Thank God, we are in process.  Hopefully we are learning to see ourselves as God sees us and to act like we are citizens of heaven and saints.  Jesus will transform us, shaping us to be more like him – loving, kind and good.  Unless, of course, we insist on resisting his work in us….
  May the rest of your Lenten journey and your experience of Easter be transformative and sanctifying.

                                                                                                           Pastor Steve