Rev. Klockers: Repent for the day of the Lord is upon us

There is a plethora of expressions within the greater Christian family. Some folks emphasize speaking in tongues; others highlight social justice and activism. Some are more into preaching for folks to shape up so that they can be saved. Some others believe that one has been saved through Jesus Christ, and that this gives opportunity to do good works for others.

Ministers, pastors, priests and preachers are different as well. We all have our base and core theologies. This is coupled with our own individual personalities.

What and who am I? Well, I can tell you what I am not: I am not a hellfire-and-brimstone preacher. I have never held a Bible over my head and shaken it like a wet dog desperately trying to get dry.

I have never mightily pounded the pulpit with an iron clinched fist, had my face turned as red as an overly ripe tomato on the vine, wagged a pointed finger at my captive audience and righteously warned them: “Repent, for the day of the Lord is upon us.” (Translated: we are living in the end times).

It is so easy for us to see that our society seems to be tearing apart by the seams. Maybe we all need a good tongue lashing? We have dug our deep ditches of opinion and defend them like a machine gun nest; our perception of what is reality and what is truth cannot be swayed. We will not see things any other way. Those who think otherwise are anathema.

We seemed to have lost the ability to truly listen to each other or possess an open willingness to have our opinions changed.

One could certainly say that this looks to be the end. (Well, that may actually not be the case, but one could say it loudly, with conviction, and firmly believe it. It does fit the pattern, doesn’t it?)

I believe that we are always living in the end times. What do I mean by this?

Every day, I want to live my life remembering that this day could be my last on earth. As such, what kind of legacy do I want to leave behind? How would I want to be remembered, especially in how I have treated others?

As a Christian, how have I lived my life as an expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Did I only give my calling lip-service, or did I truly act in concrete ways to make a difference?

When the world says one thing and Christ says another – what and whom did I follow?

Every day, when I rise, I begin the process of living through choices I make within the framework of measured and allotted time.

I pray that these choices are mindful of being a follower of Christ, even in the darkest of days.

Today could be my last day. It could be yours as well.

The world will go on without us. May our legacies be marked more by love than anything else on earth.

The choices are ours to make daily.

To quote the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:2c: “(If I) do not have love, I am nothing.”

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.