Living the Lesson of a Typographical Error

Sometimes a typographical error changes everything. I was at an event the other day where we were singing a form of the Kyrie. Kyrie means “Lord, have mercy.” It’s a form of prayer that focuses on our undeserving nature and God’s abundant grace. As we sang the prayer, the words were projected so everyone could follow along.

“For the peace from above and for our slavation, let us pray to the Lord.” Yep. You read that right. Slavation. A typo.

But it got me to thinking. Isn’t that the way we far too often treat our involvement in the church? Slavation.

People get the attitude of being “slaves” to the church instead of servants of Christ and one another. A slave to the church:

  • Considers it drudgery to get up on Sunday mornings and get to worship
  • Likes to take “time off” from church
  • Expects the church to be there to meet his or her personal needs, but is rarely seen on Sunday mornings or serving in other ways
  • Thinks the “institutional church” is just a bunch of hypocrites
  • Brings a child to be baptized, but is never seen or heard from again
  • Writes nasty emails when decisions are made with which they don’t agree

Slavation. Lord, have mercy.

I recently heard that Orthodox Jews see the living out of the Torah, the fulfilling of The Law, as a gift. It’s not a burden to them. It’s a delight.

Would that those who have salvation in and through Jesus Christ find worship and service not to be slavation, but a delight. It was Jesus’ delight to be a slave who gave Himself up on the cross so that we would be saved (Philippians 2). Because of His sacrifice we are no longer slaves but heirs (Romans 8:14-17). It is our privilege to come before Him in worship, receive His gifts, and serve Him and our fellow human beings with great delight.

Instead of being burdened with slavation we are gifted with salvation. And it shows in our attitude and service in the local church.

“For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.” Indeed.

What evidence do you see of slavation? Please leave a comment below.

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Categories: Inspiration, Ministry
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6 thoughts on “Living the Lesson of a Typographical Error”

  2. As followers of Christ, serving should come naturally as we grow stronger in our faith. Worldly things (striving for recognition, acquiring more money and material things) should drop by the wayside. Less world, more Jesus. I know full well the embarrassment of typos!

    Reply