God of Grace and God of Glory (ELW 705, Verses 3 and 4)
3 Cure your children’s warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
4 Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.
Devotion
Harry Emerson Fosdick’s words are a powerful indictment to our culture–”Shame our wanton, selfish madness, rich in things and poor in soul.” We have so many things, yet so little compassion for our brothers and sisters for whom Christ also died.
It is the last verse that particularly accuses me, however. In my younger days I was idealistic and enthusiastic. As I age, I find myself getting more cynical–”resigning” myself to “the evils we deplore.” I think, “That’s the way things are. What can I do about it?”
We won’t save the world, but we can in our own ways be witnesses to Christ’s love. By being generous to people in need, acting with care and compassion, advocating for the rights of others, and working toward justice for all, we reflect the “gift of (Christ’s) salvation.” This is part of the way that we serve Christ, “whom we adore.”
Prayer
Loving Lord, you call us to serve you by caring for others in our communities and our world. Give us wisdom and give us courage to serve you in this way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.