...that our Catechism speaks of "self-control" as one of the many gifts of
daily bread which we ask our gracious heavenly Father to give us. What a beautiful confession that it is God who works in us "to will and to do according to His good pleasure!" We discipline ourselves and yet even as we do so, we freely confess that such comes only from the good giving of God. Beautiful.
If only this were more emphasized when Lutherans discuss "life in Christ," rather than constantly making tongue-in-cheek statements about "sinning bodly."
ReplyDeleteThe "sin boldly" statement is so much abused. The point of it is that when every choice seems to involve you in sin, but a choice must be made, choose the least damaging choice, ask God's forgiveness for your sin, and go forward.
ReplyDeleteIs that translated "discipline" in the present edition of the BOC?
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteThere are several current editions of the BOC. In Concordia (which is the one I use), it is rendered "discipline." In the Synod's Catechism, which is what I cited and what we teach to the children, it is rendered "self-control."