Potential energy and kinetic energy. The difference between the two is evident in the terms used. Potential means energy that is ready to be used but is yet to be released (think a drawn bow string, taught, ready to send the arrow into the air). Kinetic describes energy that is on the move (think a released bow string that has sent the arrow flying).
This image, borrowed from physics, is helpful for understanding the work of the church in making the gospel known. Paul describes the gospel as “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). He understands the potential of the gospel to radically redefine and redirect the life of a fallen human being, and has dedicated himself to the task of converting it, through proclamation, into “kinetic energy,” as people hear and believe the good news. The results can be exciting, as when those in Thessalonica “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,” and were persuaded to “wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers . . . from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
Each Christian has had potential gospel energy converted into kinetic gospel energy through having, by the grace of God, ears that heard when the message was preached. Subsequently, each Christian becomes a new repository of potential energy just waiting to be released. By prayer and study, motivated by love and undertaken with humility, we draw the bow string back, making it ready to be released by the Holy Spirit, sending along the good news to neighbors, co-workers, friends, and relatives.
Let’s rededicate ourselves to the task of converting potential gospel energy into kinetic gospel energy by praying for the Holy Spirit to awaken us to opportunities to let go the bow string. The energy is there, it just needs to be released!
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