Last week a pastor kindly invited me to tour the eight million dollar addition that is being completed at his church.  The church he has served for over thirty years is one of the oldest in town and the new addition, which includes education, office, and a banquet or function hall, is adjoined masterfully to a historic chapel. The large function hall, framed with tall windows, is beautiful, as it overlooks the campus arboretum. Undoubtedly, it will be in high demand as there is no space its equal in the area.Â
I was glad for my friend as I imagined the future generations that will benefit from the leadership he has provided to accomplish such a large project.  I am sure that many people will be blessed in that space. As a student, my life had often been enriched by praying in the chapel that had been built centuries earlier.
Seeing something so visual and physical dedicated to God’s use is an instant reminder of God’s construction project, the Body of Christ, the Church. The first Christians devoted their lives to the reality that they were engaged in something remarkable that God was building.
This Sunday at the Gathering Church the focus will be on how to be connected to what God is doing as described in Ephesians 4:1-16. Most people, regardless of their beliefs or faith commitments, are awakened from time to time to a realization that their life should mean more than it does. A moment of clarity sneaks into our crowded and noisy lives and says that life should be more than it is.
What is God doing for those who have faith to see it?
How can our lives be defined by more than today’s problems and challenges?
What would make our lives tour-worthy?