But not before.

"It may be that the day of judgement will dawn tomorrow; in that case, we shall gladly lay aside our work for a better future. But not before".

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

(Hat tip to Rachel Muers.)

I love this this quotation, which I just ran across. It expresses my frustration with those who recommend quietism or withdrawal from the world and the work of the Kingdom, as if the gospel only dealt with invisibilities. It is only when the 'better future' of the eschaton comes in its fullness - and come it will and full it will be - that we may take our hand from the plough.