Dear Fellow Redeemed,  

   Last month Sharon  and  I attended the “Better  Together” marriage retreat at St. John’s in York. When I attend special meetings or conferences I usually come away with several “golden nuggets.” The  “golden nugget”  I  received  from Dr. Ludwig  is   the   difference   between “getta”  and  “gotta.”  Basically  he  said that husbands and wives “getta”  (get to) love their spouses  and  not  “gotta”  (got to) love them. “Getta”  is  based  on  Law and “gotta”  is  based  on  the  Gospel  or grace.

   I think that same principle applies to the rest of our lives as well, because what we say and do depends on our attitude – whether we think we “gotta” do something or we “getta” do something. If we think we “gotta” do something we usually have a bad or negative attitude and may resist doing it. But if we think we “getta” do something we usually have a good or positive attitude and will look forward to doing it. For example, thinking “I ‘getta’ go to work (or school) today.” rather than “I ‘gotta” go to work (or school) today.” will make a difference in our day. If we think we “gotta” do it, it will seem like a chore and we’ll probably complain. But it we think we “getta” do it, it we will be passionate about it and enjoy doing it.

  I think that same principle applies to our relationship with God and the church. On one hand, if we think we “gotta” (law) come to church on Sunday for worship and Sunday school, we “gotta” read our Bibles and pray everyday, we “gotta” participate in church activities, we “gotta” serve the Lord, we “gotta” give generously – then because of our sinful nature we probably will resist. Either we won’t do it at all, or if we do we won’t do it enthusiastically or very much. On the other hand, if we think, we “getta” (grace) come to church on Sunday for worship and Sunday school, we “getta” read our Bibles and pray everyday, we “getta” participate in church activities, we “getta” serve the Lord with the spiritual gifts and talents He has given us, we “getta” give generously with the financial resources we have received from God – then we probably will do it with glad and thankful hearts.

   On a personal note, it means that I “getta” be your pastor. I “getta” preach and teach God’s Word to you every Sunday. I “getta” administer the Sacraments to you. I “getta” visit you when you are sick or shut-in or widowed. I “getta” encourage, comfort, strengthen and admonish you when you are discouraged, confused, depressed, upset or grieving.

   The question is how we can think “getta” when we often feel “gotta.” I think the answer is the difference of one letter because “getta” has an “e” instead of an “o.” I think that “e” stands for “enlightenment” and that comes only from the Holy Spirit. That is why Luther wrote in his explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed that it is the Holy Spirit who “calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.” Therefore, if we have the Holy Spirit we don’t have to go through life with a “gotta” (law) attitude whether it relates to our relationship with God, or our relationship with our spouses and relatives, or our relationships with our friends in and outside the church, or anyone. Instead, through the power of the Holy Spirit we can have a “getta” (grace) attitude because our Heavenly Father redeemed us through the precious blood of Jesus, claimed us as His children in the waters of our baptism, and gives us a “getta’ (grace) attitude through His Holy Spirit.

     I don’t think that any of us can avoid having a “gotta” attitude from time to time because of our sinful nature, our weak flesh, and the various experiences we have in life. To be sure, there are a lot of negative influences and bad things happening in the world to give anyone a “gotta” attitude. However, whenever we do get a “gotta” attitude we don’t have to keep it. We can repent and ask God to take it away and give us a “getta” attitude so that we enjoy life again and all the blessings He gives us, and we can love and serve Him and others with glad and thankful hearts. That is my sincere hope and prayer for all of us.

       Yours in Christ,

 

Redeemer Lutheran Church - 20440 Downes Road - Parkton, MD 21120 - Phone 410-343-1665 - Email:  info@redeemerparkton.com 
 Pastor: Rev. James Banach      Secretary:  Sue Lieske      Webmaster: John Wachter

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