One of Martin Luther’s good friends, the theology professor Philip Melanchthon, had the habit of keeping a daily record of every missed opportunity to preach the gospel. In the evenings, he would confess each of these moments to God, pleading that God would grant him one more day of life. Along with this, he also asked that God would make him a reliable witness. (We use the term “mindfulness” so casually, but to me, this is one of the best illustrations of living consciously: not just experiencing the “good” but also deliberately reflecting on those moments when we could have acted differently. Isn’t that how we learn?!)
Melanchthon’s motivation came from Ephesians 5:15-17: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
How wonderful would it be if renewal meant that we could be brand new people with brand new hearts and inspired lives in just one moment. Almost like Paul. And yet Paul would probably agree that we need to practise renewal. It is God who renews us, but we must still learn what it means to live as those made new.
In theological terms, we talk about justification and sanctification. Through Christ, we are declared righteous (innocent) before God; now we must practise living daily “like Christ” (i.e., sanctified). Every day, more and more. Like Melanchthon.
PRAYER: Like Melanchthon, I ask that You help me to live fully consciously. Also about my shortcomings, Lord.
ART: Painting by the gifted late Eastern Cape artist Deon Lemmer. For more information, call 071 335 9346.
MUSIC:
We’re looking at the music video of Marius Lubbe’s song “Dis Wat Saak Maak”. The song, written by Vaughan Gradiner, is about how the little things matter.