We Are on the Way
“This life, therefore, is not Godliness, but the process of becoming godly, not health, but getting well, not being, but becoming, not rest, but exercise. We are not now what we shall be, but we are on the way. The process is not yet finished, but it is actively going on. This is not the goal but it is the right road. At present, everything does not gleam and sparkle, but everything will be cleansed.” – Martin Luther
Are you getting weary of the cold, gray, blustery days of winter? Even when there’s a bright, sunny spell, it’s quickly forgotten when it’s followed by two or three overcast days in a row. Being a person who savors every day, lives gratefully in the moment, and finds a little sunshine on even the gloomiest of days can be challenging, and there are times when we just can’t muster up halfway-believable enthusiasm for much of anything.
That’s why, at this time of year, I especially appreciate this encouraging, positive quote from Martin Luther. It isn’t the shallow “cheer up, everything is just dandy” or “you can do it if you really, really try” kind of pep talk. Instead, we hear a unique description of the life of the Christian, whether 500 years ago or today. Luther reminds us that rather than achieving Godliness or perfection, we are in a process. Young children, middle aged, or elders, each and every one of us is on the way, and, even better, we are on the right road. We don’t just reach a certain stage or time of life, and then come to a stop. Living is a form of activity, and as we go about our daily lives, the journey continues. What a blessing and a gift it is to be given this perspective!
This past year, as we’ve focused on learning more about Martin Luther, it’s been interesting and enlightening to gain some insight into the nature of an individual for whom we have great admiration. Rather than seeing him as some kind of medieval superhero, we’ve learned that he struggled spiritually, feeling inadequate to please God in any way. When he was led to speak out and challenge the corrupt church of the day, he was persecuted and in great personal danger. Although Martin experienced nearly constant stress and numerous ailments, both physical and emotional, God gave him the strength and ability to continue to write, teach and preach. He was further able to live and enjoy an “everyday” life with his wife, children, friends and colleagues.
This short paragraph brightens up the grayness and warms away the cold, as we come to the understanding that our lives are an ongoing process that is not yet finished. And remember, every day, gray or bright, we have God’s Word to guide, inspire, encourage, and challenge us to share the Good News of his love and forgiveness with all people. We aren’t on the road alone!
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers