It's Bigger Than You

Rick Warren's famous, life-changing book "The Purpose Driven Life"  starts with these words.  "It's not about you.  The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness.  It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions."   It later goes on to read "You were born by his purpose and for his purpose."  That is a sobering thought.  You were put here for something greater than you.

That statement could be the catalyst for a gazillion blog posts and sermons.  But I want to focus on our definition of greatness.  I think that many people - myself included - think of worldly applause and accolades as a measure of greatness.  But if we focus on pleasing the Father, then what the world says doesn't matter.  Follow me for a moment:  Imagine yourself the church soloist.  You can sang!  Every Sunday you are sanging for the Lord.  People are ministered too, blessed, and comforted by God's work through you.  But Monday - Friday you are an accountant.  You dream of singing on a big stage with a Beyonce'-esque set up but that hasn't happened for you.  And you are disappointed and feel small.  You think "when am I going to do something important?"  Now fast-forward 40 years.  You are still singing in the choir.  You are still an accountant.  But as you are walking out of church one Sunday, Senator Johnson comes up to you and says "Aren't you Ms. Jacobs?  You don't know me but when I was in college I was in a really dark place.  I decided to visit this church and heard you sing.  When you sang I could feel the Lord moving on my behalf.  It's because of God working through you that I didn't give up, got saved, and went on to help others.  Thank you."

That may not be important to the world, but that is important to the kingdom of God.  If we focused first and solely on serving God (and others through your ministry) the need for worldly applause will diminish.

Walking By Faith

Last night my facebook friends were either transfixed by colorism or by the Grand Canyon.   Both topics were getting lots of comments and conversation.  This post will focus on the Grand Canyon.

If you aren't aware, Nik Wallenda walked across the Grand Canyon on a tightrope without a safety net.    And he did it live on the Discovery Channel.  So, by know you are scratching your heads and wondering why I even care... Here's why: As Nik walked across the GC he gave honor to God.  He walked and praised and walked and praised.  Now, some of my friends say that he is an idiot to put himself in harms way and then call on God to assist him.  But I disagree...

Who is to say what God told Nik to do?  God has given some seemingly crazy assignments to people in the past.  Don't believe me, just open your Bible.  But beyond that history lesson, what about the fact that this man went on his job and gave glory to God.  He wasn't embarrassed.  He was talking to Jesus.  How many of us would do that?  Not only that but he was praising and witnessing to folks on live tv.  Some folks watching may have never stepped foot in a church but may have been moved by his praise.

And are you ready for a real kick in the butt?  How many predicaments did you get yourself into and then turn to God to get you out of? I know I am raising my hand.  Are you really going to make me call roll?  From "God, I know I shouldn't have slept with him, but please let this period be on time" to "Jesus, I know that she was ratchet, but please do not let her be pregnant" to "I know I have had too much to drink and there is a cop behind me but Jesus I swear if you keep me out of jail I will never do that again."  Are you raising your hand now?  We ALL get into predicaments and then ask for help.  Even if Nik hopped up on that tightrope without any divine nudging, who are we to judge him?  Don't we do the same daily?

I don't know Nik, but I do know that I was moved while watching him walk.  Imagine if all of our "faith walks" were as strong...