What’s The Purpose?

I love my church.

That’s what has been on my heart since Tuesday when our Co-Group leaders invited Justin and I to be leaders with them.

Without hesitation, Justin and I said yes and were genuinely excited to join them Thursday night for a leadership event at the church.

We can talk ourselves out of almost anything if it’s happening at night. And if its’s cold. But not this. There was no talking us out of going.

When we were back in the car and pulling out of the parking lot, all we both could say was, “We love our church!”

Now don’t get me wrong or think I am throwing shade to any past churches because I am not.

Heck, the first two churches we went to were ones Justin pastored! So…that would be awkward.

No, I have loved every church we’ve been at since we married. They each were unique in their own way and right where we were supposed to be. All of them had people I loved and I trusted the pastors, which was really important to me to know my spiritual life was in good hands.

But this is next level.

I didn’t make it to church this morning because of a sick kiddo, but I did make it a point to listen online. I never want to miss Pastor Alex preaching. Ever.

And this morning was a doozie.

Pastor Alex expanded further on what she shared with our group on Thursday and I’m so glad she did.

I won’t recap her sermon (though I guess I can link it here when it’s posted) and I’m not supposed to. I’m not here to give a sermon or do some exogesis thing with scripture. That’s not why I’m here. (If you’re interested, you can go to YouTube and watch her past sermons. You can thank me later!)

One point she said, that was probably just a last minute add on, stood out to me and I just wanted to reflect on it today.

She mentioned people posting their Bible readings on Instagram and that ministries are not suppose to be about us. If we’re doing it to virtue signal how great we are, we’re doing it wrong. Any ministry should be about Jesus and the will of the Father. Not us.

Not that I have a ministry, but I do share on social media and so I had to take a moment of reflection and check my motives.

Is it for me? What is the purpose of writing and sharing? Is this for self-aggrandizement or about God?

First, I kind of laughed at myself because I am the last person who should be talking spiritual things or bragging. In my own strength, I know nothing. There are countless friends who are much more spiritual and knowledgeable than I am and I feel like such a newbie around them. They’re giants.

But God didn’t ask me to come as a giant knowing all things (whew!).

He asked me to share what I was learning about Him and where I am seeing Him.

Maybe it is to help me understand, like I shared yesterday, that when you go looking for God, you will find Him everywhere.

Oh my goodness! Lightbulb moment y’all! Seek and ye shall find has actually happened!

You weren’t kidding God!

See? I’m not a scholar. I’m just a slow to learn kind of girl who doesn’t realize the obvious sometimes and this helps me tremendously. Of course I grew up hearing that over and over, but now I just had an aha moment and I get it.

If you are looking for God, whether in your past circumstances or your current ones, you can find Him there, but you have to be looking through the right lens.

Holy moly do I feel dense. But does that make sense? It all just seemed like words on a page. A trite cliche. But it’s true!

Also, further proof I have nothing to brag about! But in fairness, sometimes things click when they click, you know?

Alright, back to what I was thinking…

So I am not doing it for the praise or recognition. That’d be like me asking Michael Jordan to watch me do a layup. It’d be ridiculous.

God reminded me the other day that the writing is for me, not for others, I just happen to be sharing it. In other words, don’t let others opinions or what others may think of you alter how you write. I’ve received nothing but appreciation, but I think that can affect how you write as much as harsh criticism. Right? Like you want to show you know what you’re talking about and don’t want to mess up. As the above shows, this is about being honest and being where I am. Y’all just get a sneak peek into how my brain works and how God is doing a work on me.

Writing keeps me accountable. For instance, right now I’d rather be on my couch watching tv, but instead I’m on my bathroom floor in front of a space heater getting my thoughts out while it’s snowing outside. It keeps God front and center when I could be pulled in ten different directions.

Writing gives me clarity and perspective. Did you read Love Letter? Go take a peek if you haven’t. It’s short and sweet and one of my favorites because of the joy. This blog has helped me see God so active in my life that it has become sort of a love letter to Him thanking Him for all the times He has been so intimately involved and I didn’t realize it. It’s a thank you for not giving up on me and for gently and patiently pursuing me even though I have been so timid and resistant.

So is it about me? Yes.

But is it also about God?

Absolutely!

Do I hope it glorifies Him?

100%

Have I gained greater insight and appreciation for all the He has done and is currently doing in my life through putting it down in words?

Without a doubt.

Do I hope that this helps someone reading this to realize that God is right there in it with them? You bet.

So maybe this is just between me and God, but I love having you along on the journey and I sense that God does too or else He’d tell me to stop. And He hasn’t done that yet so I’m going to keep writing and keep sharing and always pointing out how He is working.

And for anyone wondering, I did complete Day 13 of the Bible Recap!!! That’s not a brag, just an update to keep me honest and consistent. Y’all don’t know how much y’all help. Truly.