Time to Open Up

Many of us live as if this command was still in effect. Our mouths are tightly clamped when it comes to talking about Jesus or God, or anything else remotely Christian. We get darn right uncomfortable should anyone have the audacity to ask us, “What is it about Jesus, anyway?” Or, “Why do you go to church on Sunday?”

Maybe it is our Lutheran upbringing which has taught us that our faith is an intensely personal thing. Maybe we wish to be respectful of another’s beliefs. I don’t know, but we Lutherans can be pretty tight-mouthed about faith.

Well, it is time to open up. Time to share the news. We can no longer assume that everyone knows who Jesus was or is familiar with the stories of the Bible. Yes, we need to be respectful of others’ faith and listen to their story. But we have an important story to share, too. And no, we shouldn’t try to outdo or knock down another’s faith. That’s not it at all. We need only tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. God’s Spirit will do the rest.

The Spirit is waiting?

Lord, speak to me that I may speak and others can hear. Amen. — DAB