Wednesday, December 31, 2014

It Really Matters...Significant Christianity

What if you found yourself in a place where nothing you did seemed to matter? It did not matter the sacrifice you made for someones Christmas to be merry, or the comfort that you gave a depressed friend; you could likely name any number of other situations where you felt like your efforts didn't seem to matter.

I just want you to know that if you feel like what you do doesn't matter…well then take heart because what you do for the Kingdom of GOD and others does matter.

Almost 4 1/2  years ago now my wife and I made a drastic move and left a larger stable assembly to assist in a small church to help out on their ministry team. The word drastic is not an exaggeration at all, bear in mind we were content with the security and a sense of comfort in our lifestyle. In our early to mid 50's we were not looking for adventure, we kind of thought we might ride out any difficulties from the safety of our little home in the country. Our finances were doing alright and we as semi-retired empty nesters did pretty much what we pleased.

Riverside Apostolic in Marshfield
However, when we felt a tugging in our hearts by what I can only call a leading of the Holy Spirit we could not just waste our gifts and abilities from a place of security and comfort. When we stepped out in faith from the doors of a large church into a room behind the liquor/tobacco store we found ourselves in a tremendously rewarding place.

Oh sure we might have been able sort through agates on the shores of Lake Superior for the rest of our lives but that would have been wasting our gifts and blessings. Mary and I found ourselves being involved in helping new friends and involved in things where we really felt needed and not just appreciated. We came to the realization that what we had stepped into something really important. We were feeling a little overlooked before but now we were doing things that seemed really important and that brought us a renewed sense of purpose. Everything we did really seemed to matter.

We worshipped in our new church, we gave financially, and helped move into and remodel a new building but most importantly we loved and were loved in return. Loving and investing in people is one of life's greatest accomplishments. I will not be taking any Lake Superior agates to heaven with me but if I changed the eternity of even one person my life has been a total success.

Way to often we wake up early, stay up late and we will do it all again tomorrow, bone dead tired of chasing after things in pursuit of...whatever. What if our lives were spent helping and loving others? I am fairly certain we would find a new sense of purpose and living lives that can make a difference. What we do really does matter.