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Keep the mission. Adapt the method.

2020.05.13 Pastor Devotional

Last week I quoted Victor Frankl, a famous author who survived the German Holocaust of WWII, who once wrote, “He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how.”  (Man’s Search for Meaning)  This quote challenges us to resist focusing on how we are living (social isolation, no school, masks, etc.), and concentrate more on why we are living.  Or perhaps better put, who are we living for?  I would like to explore this issue a bit more today.

Why did God create us and why are we alive at this point in human history?  Is there a common thread that knits together our hearts and promotes unity around a common cause or purpose?  I believe that there are answers to these questions.  We are here to enjoy the presence of God, to bring Him glory and honor, and to equip others to know Jesus Christ and follow Him.  

2020.05.13 Pastor Devotional Point 2The gospel of Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection, is not just a gift of God’s grace to save us from our sin, it is a lifestyle to be lived out on a daily basis.  The mission to live out this purpose is not dependent upon our health, our job, or retirement, our personal comfort or living situation.  It supersedes all things, all dreams, all relationships, and all future plans.  This great mission for us and the church will never change because of a pandemic, wars, or natural disasters.  

The Apostle Paul stated it this way in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

But, the way we participate and execute this mission can change.  For example, as a pastor I am not allowed to visit people in person, to lay my hands on someone’s shoulder for prayer and encouragement, and to visit the sick and lonely in the hospitals and long-term residential care facilities.  I now have to utilize technology to do my job.  I preach to a camera, I talk and encourage people through zoom and facetime,  and I proclaim the Gospel through YouTube with little to no feedback or awareness as to who is listening.  Even though change can be challenging, I am adapting to new ways of ministering to people because “the why” and the mission remain the same.

So may I ask how you are changing the nature of your service while staying true to the why or purpose for you and the church?  I know some people are making masks to help people to be safe during this pandemic.  That is awesome.  I know others are caring for friends and family by delivering groceries to those that are at high risk for the virus.  I also know that some are reaching out more than ever before by using technology and other creative venues.  Has God shown you how to use your gifts in new and creative ways?  Humbly ask Him how to serve, and focus on “the Why” for confidence and strength to obey.

Thanks for being a part of our Chapel Family.  I will talk with you soon.

Pastor Derek

Watch the video devotional "Keep the Mission. Adapt the Method." below or browse previous video devotionals from Pastor Derek.

 

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