Title: WHAT IS THE WAY AND WHAT IS IN THE WAY?

Oct 7th, 2007

Mark Allan

Associate Minister

Words From the Fountain:

I always try to keep the big picture in mind. It is good to keep the vision, the purpose, in sight. I think that the large movements of life, the important things, can so easily tend to get lost in the details of living them. We can forget the forest when we spend so much time in the midst of the trees.

Our church life is no exception. While the details and minutiae are important they mean nothing if the purpose, for which they are being done, is forgotten. In church we need to keep “the forest” in front of us, even as we are in the midst of the trees.

Why are we here? What is it we are called to do? Christian writer and pastor Tony Robinson writes that it is for “the transformation and formation of persons and communities in light of the vision and values of the gospel” and I agree. As we dig into the details of the many tasks that lie ahead of us, we need to always be asking if our purpose is being served. It is important for us to remember what is the means and what is the end.

Do we see “making the budget” as an end, or a way to live our purpose? Do we think bylaws are as important as the bible? Do we let tradition, process or our past, be our dominant force, or do we seek to let God be that force? Is God’s voice lost in the midst of our own voices? Do we pass up the healing God offers us, in order to walk towards our idea of what we need?

Regardless of how we answer these questions, taking time to remember and affirm our purpose, in everything, is vital. It is a check for us, as to our direction. It is God’s way of keeping us on track and challenging us to walk the path that leads closer to Him.

Our purpose is “the way” God gives us. Failing to remember that purpose gets “in the way”. If the means become larger than the end we have lost both. It is Christ who gives our lives purpose and in following him we find our purpose. Let us never forget that important truth.

Mark+