What if the end was near?

	Jack Suderman

“What would you do if you knew that the end was near, very near?” At a recent staff meeting, we asked this question of our staff. We got many answers. “Go home,” “Spend time with my children,” “Cancel all meetings.” What would you do if you knew that the ‘real’ end was near?

This question brings me back to the experience of Y2K, when many were convinced that the “end was near.” They responded by hoarding supplies, protecting their turf, arming themselves, not disclosing sources of needed supplies to their neighbors and friends, and assuming an aggressive, adversarial stance.

The Apostle Peter answers this question in surprising ways (I Peter 4:7-11). He suggests several critical things that need to rise to the top of our agenda if we are convinced that the end is near. These are:

1. Be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray better;
2. Love each other deeply;
3. Offer hospitality without grumbling;
4. Use your gifts in service to others;
5. Speak carefully, as if speaking the words of God;
6. Serve so that God can be praised through our service.

In Mennonite Church Canada Witness, we understand that urgency does not excuse us from careful witness. In fact urgency underlines the need to do things with more prayer, with greater love, with more attention to our gifts, with greater hospitality, serving and speaking every more clearly so that the will of God can be discerned better. My Colombian friends used to say: “this is so urgent, we need to go slow.” I’ve learned to appreciate those words, and in a way they reflect the wisdom of the Apostle in this passage.

In our ministry partnerships “across the street and around the world,” we are often pressed with urgent needs. We want to respond. We ask you, our supporting congregations, to respond. But let us do so with increased prayer and love, with greater hospitality and service. Urgency does require patience.

We thank God and we thank you for the patient urgency with which you respond to the needs around the world. May God richly bless you for it.

Robert J. Suderman
Executive Secretary
Mennonite Church Canada Witness