You Are a Gift From God
One of the greatest longings in life is to have a purpose, a reason for living. This is true for every human being, saved or unsaved. Read what Marianna Pogosyan, Ph.D. writes, “Belonging can also contribute to a meaningful life, since being a part of a group connotes being a part of something larger, something that expands beyond the boundaries of our own self, thus promoting a sense of “lastingness” and “continuity”.
This is really something, especially when you consider a secular doctor wrote it.
Look what she said, “Belonging can also contribute to a meaningful life…” This is interesting when we consider how we unquestionably live in a “me” society. We teach our kids today that their ideas, feelings and interests are the only things that matter. We protect them from failing so not to injure their self-image. We tell them they can be anything they want to be and the truth is, they can’t. When the reality of life comes and they realize they do fail and they can’t be anything they want to be (or I would have been a pro golfer) they are not prepared to handle such disappointment.
We wonder why we have the issues we have with our youth. I propose that, at least one of the problems is, in living for themselves they still feel empty. How many times have we read or heard about actors, athletes or businessmen who reach great success and in the end still feel empty. They always wonder if there is more to life than this. There is no greater let down than working your whole life to achieve what you think will bring you your greatest joy and it lets you down. Christ said it right, if you want to gain your life you must lose it.
So, in God’s genius He creates this mystery called the church. Where He brings individuals together for a purpose greater than anyone of us could ever dream of. Imagine, He uses the church to bring a message of grace, reconciliation, hope. He uses the church to reflect His glory, to be His hands and speak His message. Imagine being a part of something larger, something that expands beyond the boundaries of our own self, thus promoting a sense of “lastingness” and “continuity. God created us with an eternal purpose. It doesn’t get any more lasting than that.
And the amazing thing is He takes us as unique individuals, keeping our unique individuality and knits us into His grand purpose. God has given each one of us a specific gift. We all don’t preach or teach. We all don’t play a musical instrument for worship. We all can’t give the way some are able to. No, God gave us each a gift that is unique to us. And all of us, being unique individuals with unique gifts all fit into a unique purpose, completing the body of Christ. No matter how insignificant we feel, our gift is absolutely necessary for the work of God to be done in our community. Pastor G said it in His blog, “There are no little people in the family of God, no unimportant brothers or sisters. Yet, the members of Christ’s Body are to depend upon their brothers and sisters in order to realize His will in their community.” I would add, to realize His will “in their lives” and in their community.
There you have it. You are an intricate part of the work of God. Yes, you. You as a unique individual, different from everyone else, are absolutely necessary to complete the body of Christ. And, you are absolutely necessary for God’s perfect work to be done in Woonsocket, RI. With that in mind I would like to leave you with one question to consider. And I only ask one because it’s important that you answer it. It may take some time, prayer and fasting to do so but you have to answer it if you want to experience the power, peace, joy and abundant life that God has promised. Here it is:
To Consider . . .
- Are you doing what God has called you to do?
Being in His will, will bring your greatest joy. The leaders at Harvest love you. We want you to experience all that God has for you.
Blessings!
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Wow, so much reality in that post Pastor Steve, thank you! What a way to start my day, I am truly encouraged!
Glad to hear that Michele. I needed to hear it again too.
Love the contrast you made of ‘unfulfilling lives focused on self’ versus God’s design of ‘the purposeful eternality of community within the Church’ — God’s plan and design is always best!
This week God used some unlikely things to show me the importance and great blessing of being knitted together in this local assembly: a Nor’easter that caused a power outage in some local towns abutting Woonsocket, a car that needed to have its venting system repaired, and sharing a vehicle whenever there’s inclement weather (fairly often in New England!) with my husband. In each situation God highlighted the privilege of being knitted together in His Body. He chose the ordinary occurrences of life to shower blessings upon us. It is no small thing to say that contentment should characterize the life of a child of God who is in the central scope of His will. So Pastor Steve, I can answer your question with a resounding, “Yes.” Thank you for the richness of your question. It is indeed essential for us to ask it as a self-diagnostic to stay focused not just this week but also in the future.
Wow, P. Steve M, you nailed it bro, super thought provoking. One question leaves no wiggle room and as I am convinced, a negative answer leaves one empty and discontented. Our purpose is contingent on knowing and being obedient to His plan. Those believers who choose to isolate themselves especially when the need is greatest to be connected, forfeit the blessing that God would supply. In many cases, it opens the door for the enemy to widen the distance between them, the body and more importantly, the Lord. Consider these words from the author of Hebrews, which are commands, not suggestions, ” And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, and not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, all the more as you the Day drawing near.” (chap. 10:24,25)
Very good points for contemplation, Pastor Steve! I too had the privilege bc of the storm, benefiting from a sister in the Lord who sought me out to see if my power had gone on. Finding out it hadnt, she invited me over! How blessed i am to be a part of a caring family of God!! I asked myself your ?- am i doing what God has called me to do in this moment, I believe so. There is great contentment, using the gifts I was designed to use 😃 I am thankful for our church body sharing theirs! 🙌🏻😊