I love freedom.  No…I am not talking about the country I live in (even though that is great).  I am talking about my latest acquisition.  Allow me to explain…

…About six and a half years ago I bought my first laptop computer.  I was in seminary and needed a computer.  Don’t ask me how I afforded it back then, but some how I managed.  Anyway, instead of being tied to my small closet of a dorm room or the eerie quietness of the library I was now free to write papers and do homework where ever I wanted (of course within reason…let’s not get too wild here).  I could go to Caribou, have coffee and write.  I could find a spot in a higher traffic area on campus such as the student center.  I was free.  It felt like I was part of a secret society whose members had computers that you could carry with you.  I looked sophisticated carrying that black over the shoulder bag that was obviously a laptop. I was loving it.  It was like I had everything I needed.  I was free.

But then something changed.  As the age of wireless technology was sweeping the world I found myself on the outside of this "secret society" looking in.  My laptop was big and heavy and obsolete, but more importantly…no wireless Internet.  This realization slapped me in the face when I was using my old laptop at a continuing education event recently. Someone approached me and asked if they could check their email quick.  With a very embarrassed look on my face I said that I didn’t have Internet access because my computer was too old.  It was like the person did not understand because after all…ALL computers are wireless.

Mourning the fact that I was no longer in the "secret society", I tried to convince myself that I was fine.  But as more and more people around me joined the "society" I found myself longing to be back in.  Then a couple weeks ago I was asked to lead a couple workshops.  Now I had the excuse I needed.  A new laptop would be needed to give a good presentation with Power Point.  After all, my presentation is on evangelism and outreach using web blogs.  So I needed a wireless laptop.

So today…at this very moment…I am typing this post on my new wireless laptop; sitting on my couch in the comfort of my living room…not my office.  I am free.  Once again I feel part of the "secret society"…at least until something new comes along to force me out.  But until then I am going to enjoy my new found status; my new found freedom.

<pause>

Now that I have confessed my sin of materialism to my God, allow me to continue as I make my point.

When we strive for meaning in this world through so called "secret societies" we will never find true happiness and meaning.  Something or someone will always come along to let us down.  We will always find ourselves on the outside looking in.  We live in a world of sin so we can never count on anything in this world.  But when we were baptized, we were made members of the ultimate society…one I hope you never keep secret.  When we were baptized we were made members of the Body of Christ.  This society (or family as I will call it now) is something that will never let us down.  When we were baptized we were sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. We never have to worry about something bigger and better coming along.  Besides…what can possibly be better than forgiveness that leads to salvation?  NOTHING!

Through baptism we are claimed and called. We are marked and sealed.  Through baptism we are made members.  So live with joy knowing that you are part of something special through the waters of baptism.  But more importantly, don’t keep this a secret.  Preach the Good News and share this story.  Every is welcome because everyone is a loved child of God.  Praise be to God always and forever…Amen! -edh-