“Wir sind Bettler. Das ist wahr.”

Martin Luther dies in the year 1546, leaving a note behind with a few words that could sum up his theology: “We´re beggars. That´s the truth.”

460 years later I walk down a street in central Malmö with a couple of colleagues. We´ve been to a conference, unclear which, and while away the hour until our train leaves with some window-shopping in fancy furniture stores. In front of a cinema-turned-fashion-shop there stands a beggar, or rather kneels, hands outstretched, no note, no words, just hands outstretched, which in universal language means “Give me!”

The rational Swede thinks, we´re in the welfare state, no one should need beg. There´s social services, charity organizations (I gave plenty last Christmas!) and employment to be had for willing hands. The rational Swede walks on by, just like all the rest of the street. Comes home, and is reminded of the Luther note. And of the Church that´s the mother of faith, how we all support each other in loving-kindness, how we pray for each other, sing praise together and strengthen our brothers and sisters with words of reassurance and maybe even the odd word of reprovement. We go on retreats, we have priests who hear our confession, saints write books to guide us and inspire us, we have the Bible and maybe read it with fervour. We have an environment solely dedicated to our spiritual welfare. We should be OK. Still we´re beggars. That´s the truth.

So I guess we´re quite alike, me and the kneeling man in Malmö, but there´s a difference. The people he begged of walked on by, some ignoring him, some tossing him a coin that wouldn´t buy him even a cup of coffee, some feeling a sting of bad conscience, maybe even returning home writing a spiritual meditation on the subject. But no one really acting out true mercy. The difference is a merciful God.

Begging sounds humiliating, as weakness and to be in need has always been contempted. But I´m proud to be a beggar at the throne of Christ. This is what matters. Others may enjoy having their photos taken with a rifle in arms and a foot on the prey, thinking themselves a Hemingway of sorts. He shot himself eventually, and what they´re chasing after is just as empty. They´d rather conquer and steal pointless, worthless and meaningless death, than pray for, beg, and receive life abundant and free.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23

Why beg? I agree with Pauls diagnosis of the sinful nature, I have seen plenty of it in mine own life. Not all, but that´s not much of an excuse. I could take comfort in (I don´t) that most everyone I know fail in at least a couple of these departments. Frankly, dear friend and reader, I doubt you´re an exception.

Why beg? Because it´s rewarded. Sure, when I hear the whole list of the fruits of the Spirit, it sounds distant. But take them one at a time, and examine myself, and I can honestly say there´s been a change. Not in all of them, to lesser and greater degrees, but then God´s not finished with me yet either. Ultimately, even that is of a lesser interest. I´d rather be a sinner with Christ in heaven, than a saint with the devil in hell. He says: “Better to reign in hell, than to serve in heaven.” Luther says: “Wir sind Bettler. Das ist wahr.”