Remembering the reason

Sometimes I feel like we have gotten away from the reason for holidays For example, this weekend is Memorial Day. It was created over a century ago to remember those who died in our nation’s service. All over the country on Monday, people will assemble at cemeteries and other places to honor those who have given their lives to serve our nation.

However, many people may not even take the time to think about these fallen heroes. They will rejoice at an extra day off of work. They will engage in a variety of activities that aren’t bad at all, but may have nothing to do with the purpose for the holiday.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with having cookouts, spending time with friends, or enjoying a day off on Memorial Day. I have, and plan to continue, to do these kinds of things on those days. However, I make a concerted effort every year to attend a Memorial Day service in my community.

How often are we guilty of treating church the same way? How often do we assemble to see our friends and participate in some religious rituals without stopping to reflect on the significance of what our assembly is really about?

I hear parents who are more concerned about their children wanting to have fun at church than growing in their faith. Youth ministries often pour much more energy into making an event cool than thinking about how to encourage students to grow spiritually. Churches sometimes seem to create worship services that are designed more to attract new people than to call the existing members to a deeper engagement in the Kingdom of God.

Don’t get me wrong. I want to provide opportunities for children that aren’t boring and dry. Youth ministry should be relevant and engaging. Churches should be seeking ways to reach out to others. However, should those things be elevated to a higher level of significance that being Kingdom-focused and Christ-shaped?

When we gather as Christ-followers, we should rejoice at our relationships and engage in spiritual practices that form us as people of God. But at the same time, let us not forget the ultimate focus and purpose of our existence, to engage in the life-altering, world-changing call of God to participate in his mission. We are called to be people who make things right in the world. We do that through relationships. We are molded by our spiritual practices. But we must never allow the mission to be left out of the methods.

Just like a holiday where the real purpose is forgotten in the midst of parties and self-serving activities, assembling with God’s people should be a social event where we never forget or neglect the significant spiritual purposes that call us together.

shine!
Jason