freedom and idols

i began to read luther's freedom of the christian today.
i have mostly skimmed it previously...sorry to the various professors out there...i know i should have read it fully, multiple times before now!

i feel like this town is not really aware of what it really means to be free. of the trememdous burden freedom lays on us. in the introduction, luther writes, "unfortunately there are many people, especially those who are proud of their titles, who oppose the truth with all their power and cunning. admittedly it must be that Christ, set as a stumbling block and a sign that is spoken against, will be an offense and a cause for the fall and rising of many."

i am struck by the idols people here make of their titles. the title is the god that is worshiped.

a prophetic voice is needed here. i am uncertain who that may be. i will only do my best to insert the Word into this town.

i think this will be what i struggle with until the end of the year. until i am back at my cozy little church in minneapolis.