Have you ever gone into a room and forgotten why you were there? We had good intentions when we started but somehow we forgot. We were not able to complete our task. Maybe it’s age, maybe not. We intended to pick up something or get something or do something but we just stand there. What happened? We forgot our original goal. Sometimes we get distracted by other things in the room. If children are sent into a room full of toys they may never find the tape we asked them to bring us. They will be distracted by all of toys. We may find them playing hours later with no idea that we are waiting for tape.
We have certain purposes in life. We are headed toward a certain goal and there are some things we want to accomplish. It is not just a matter of trying to enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Some people live for themselves. They do whatever they want. They may not appear selfish at first but the actual end of their actions will always benefit them. In Christianity we live for God and to glorify him.
We have been sent here for a reason. Our purpose is not just to live for ourselves but to live for God. We are to love one another. We are not to love for ourselves but to love because of God. We are to love in the way that he loved. We are to love who he loves. Our love is a reflection of God's intention.
We must not forget why we are here. We have been sent for a purpose. We are to glorify God. We are to help other people and that glorifies God. When they see good works that we do they are to glorify God because of what we do.
How does Church fit in as part of our purpose? Are we to do Church? Is it something that God simply wants us to do or a place where we are to be involved? When we walk into Church what are we expected to do? Are we doing your duty to God by sitting for an hour? We are expected to worship. We are to worship God but we are also to worship with other people. Are we expected to work? What does God expect us to do in Church?
What does God expect us to do at work? Does he expect us to just show up and get paid? How we work on our job is a reflection of our relationship with God. Does going the extra mile apply to work or was that only for Roman soldiers? Our attitude is to reflect God. We must not go to work and forget why we went. We didn’t go to get paid but to glorify God.
What does God expect us to do at home? When you walk in the door of your house it is not to be your castle but it is God's kingdom. We are to bring up children in the instruction and discipline of the lord. We are to honor our spouse and treat them with love and respect. The love of Christ should especially be reflected in our family. It is the one place we have the most influence. If there is ever a place for God to be glorified it is at home. Don’t forget why we come home and what we are to do there.
Some people walk in Church and forget why they came. They think they're there just to see their friends or to show off their new clothes. They've forgotten that God is watching and that he enjoys them singing. They've forgotten that his greatest excitement is teaching them through someone else. If angels rejoice at the baptism of a soul they are certainly interested in the process of teaching. God wants to see our motivation, our intensity and our dedication. Acts 2 mentions the new Christians were dedicated to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, communion and prayer. The word of God is able to judge thoughts and intentions. When we worship God wants to see our thoughts our intentions our dedication and our intensity to him. We must not forget why we came.
Terry Singleton
Pulpit Minister
Sunset Church of Christ
