Like a Water Tower

by Marvin Bublitz

I wrote my column for this issue just after attending Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary’s Vicars Dinner, which was sponsored by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League – Canada (LWMLC). It brought back memories from years ago when I attended as a student preparing to head out on my vicarage. It was an enjoyable evening. LWMLC President Linda Long gave a wonderful presentation on all that the LWMLC does to support the work of the ministry. It was a good refresher for me as well as for the vicars.

During the event, I encouraged the vicars to think of themselves as a water tower. Water towers are filled over time with life-sustaining water. Then they distribute that water slowly to those in need. They do not dump all they have all at once; if they do it overwhelms. 

Vicars are heading out to put into practice what they have been filled with over their training. They will also take more in as they learn under the tutelage of a seasoned pastor. The danger is they might be like a teenager who is taking driver’s education, sitting in the back seat and constantly telling mom or dad what is wrong with their driving. I cautioned the vicars against that way of serving.

When I was a student, Dean Humann told us in preaching class that we are to preach the whole council of God—but, he said, we don’t have to do it in full in every sermon. To do that would be like a water tower dumping all its water at once, overwhelming those intended to be helped. We need to discern not only what people need to hear but when best they ought to hear it.

The Holy Spirit continues to fill us through Word and Sacrament, sustaining our faith and preparing us for everlasting life in our Father’s Kingdom.

This counsel does not just apply to pastors. Over my years in ministry, I have met many well-meaning energetic Christians. Unfortunately, some have tried the “hit ‘em over the head with the Bible and drag them to church” approach.

That approach usually ends with the person feeling overwhelmed and running for an exit. As the people of God, we have been filled with the life-giving news of Christ. The Holy Spirit continues to fill us through Word and Sacrament, sustaining our faith and preparing us for everlasting life in our Father’s Kingdom.

We are thus moved by that Spirit to tell everyone what He has done. We go about our daily lives and vocations sharing that with which we have been filled. But we do so with gentleness and respect. We do so with great patience and careful instruction. The danger is that, if we dump everything all at once on others, we will overwhelm them. 

Another danger is forgetting that it is the Lord’s work. If we start to think everything depends on us, then we forget who really brings people to faith: God. Our task is to speak His Word and then let God be God. He determines where, when, and how that Word works. Don’t fall for Satan’s Garden of Eden lies—that you will be like God. It is ultimately all God’s work. 

This knowledge is, in fact, very calming. If it depends on me then all is lost. Thankfully it depends on God. It is His work. We are blessed that He has worked saving faith in us. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, He empowers and uses us in His service where and when He chooses. Thanks be to God.

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Rev. Marvin Bublitz is Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s East Regional Pastor.

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