Concordia TheoBLOGical Seminary

One notable quotable starts like so: “Christians are like fertilizer…” What a pleasant image of agricultural richness evoked in our minds… no? However, the middle and final part of the quote goes like this, “together they stink, until spread out over the land.”

How true is that? Between synodical polemical debates, intellectual ego stroking within theological academic circles, and inflated emphasis on liturgy over justification, it’s no wonder that the Gospel becomes murky at best when Christians surround themselves only with themselves. The stench of it becomes unbearable, and can actually be an evangelical stumbling block.

Now mind you, I am not saying that polemics and academic rigor aren’t tools to sharpen us, and the environment to do so isn’t God sent; but there comes a point when ingratiated talk is cheap and useless, and not helping anyone. Proclamation and service is the impetus of education. This especially comes to mind this time of year, as men will receive their vicarages and Calls, women their deaconess internships and placements. It is a time of sending out the enriched fertilizer to reap a wonderful harvest to God’s glory.

I don’t mean to be crude, but the analogy hopefully strikes a chord, as many are in anticipation of where and what they will be doing next year. Whatever it is, it’s time to go and serve. Consider the alternative- stinking to high heaven.