"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."    (Romans 10:9-10, NIV)

When I was six, my suburban congregation in northern Ohio was introduced to a new practice: the "altar call." The pastor tried to make this experience as painless as possible. We were all directed to bow our heads and close our eyes, ensuring the utmost confidentiality for those who (still seated in the pews) raised their hands to signify that they believed in their hearts that God had raised Jesus from the dead. Then all were encouraged to repeat after the pastor as he confessed with his mouth: "Lord, I have sinned . . . . Thank you for sending your Son . . . . I accept him as my Savior and Lord."

Not only did I eagerly participate in the first altar call, but also the second and the third. I lost count of how many times my hand went up and my mouth formed the confession of faith. In a sense, I have never ended the practice, as 40 years later I still frequently find myself in need of rededicating my life to the Lord. But back then each time was for me an initial dedication--in my mind the previous prayer hadn't worked, since my life didn't seem to be changed. I was never able to get up the nerve to invite a friend to church, for instance, and sometimes I was downright unloving to my annoying little brothers.

No doubt the pastor (and Sunday School teachers and parents) would have provided assurance and wise instruction if they had known my dilemma. But it wasn't until confirmation that I was asked to express my faith aloud, in my own words, to people who had their eyes open. It was a few more years before I could admit to anyone that I hadn't done a single great work for Christ. No one had the opportunity to explain that they also serve who help younger brothers tie their shoelaces.

Recently, I read the altar call was invented by Charles Finney (preacher of revival and president of Oberlin College) to help him identify potential supporters of the movement to abolish slavery. Finney expected the confession of faith to be visible and audible--if a person couldn't openly "confess Christ," how would he or she find the courage to face criticism and even threats of violence?

Similarly, Paul assumed that believers--those willing to speak their faith--would also live their faith. Later in his letter to the Roman Christians, he exhorts his readers to demonstrate their love for one another in a concrete manner: "share with God's people who are in need" (12:13). He uses "do" rather than "believe" when he writes, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (14:19). But our deeds, both great and seemingly insignificant, begin with the beliefs of our hearts and the words on our lips.

Lord Jesus, may I never hesitate to acknowledge you. Let me not disdain small works of service, and give me the courage "to do what leads to peace." Amen

Contributed by Jean
Sunday July 22, 2007
Liturgical Year C Week 34