A few weeks ago I was working in my office and when I glanced at the clock I saw that I had another hour before staff meeting started.  Little did I realize that the battery in my clock was no longer providing the needed power to keep the minute hand moving along in a steady, regular beat.  The "energizer bunny" had slowed down to a crawl.  His feeble attempt to keep the pace of time was more of a lethargic creep than a speed resembling vigor and vitality.  At one moment the feeling of, "Wow, I can get this done before heading off to staff," was replaced with hurriedness in order to make it to the staff meeting on time.  

How often do we wish that like my clock with the dead battery, time would slow down and we could have extra time to relish the happy moments of life a little longer?  We want to spend a few more minutes with our family or friends before it is time to say goodbye.  Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day activities that we lose track of time.  For example, I'm trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it is already September, and it doesn't seem possible that I've already been back in Kansas City for 14 months.  And can Christmas really be only three months away?

This past week I've asked a variety of people how they see the Mission of God impacting our Lutheran theology.  One answer that continues to haunt me is that as Lutherans, our freedom won by Christ inhibits us to tell others the same message.  It's the "I have my salvation, I hope you have yours!" attitude.  Grace inhibits?  Hmmm...

Grace, something that can be so comforting has now caused a stir in my heart and mind.  Grace, an assurance of eternal life through the blood of Christ, can hamper who we are as Christians?  How can this free gift become a stumbling block?  How can something that should energize us to share with others like time is running out steer us away from an activity that should be foremost on the to do list?  Hmmm...

This comment has had my mind clicking like the second hand of my clock.  Is there truth to that thought, or was someone making excuses?

As I reflect on the mission philosophy that permeates other religions, their efforts all center on works.  They feel they need to be out and about, knocking on doors, sharing the news as they understand it with everyone they can, because they understand time is running out.  They don't know when Christ will return, so they better do what they can to spread the news today, for an hour from now it may be too late.   Salvation is earned through the work of sharing and telling.  Salvation is earned through bringing someone else into their fold.    

I have a gift that can be given to others and I keep it for myself.  I become lethargic when I think about walking up to the neighbor across the street to share this gift with him/her.  The vigor and vitality I experienced on Easter Sunday has been slowed to a steady pace, going with the flow, fitting in, and not causing a scene.  I maintain the attitude that there is always tomorrow to answer the call of "Go and Tell!"

Dear Lord, I realize the time is here and now, for there may not be a tomorrow to share your grace.  Please help me to be an energized Christian for you, one who isn't content to keep the gift of grace hidden.   Amen.

Enjoying the ride,