Pastor Dan has asked, besides giving the sermon this Sunday, to also provide the memo for this week. My thoughts recently have been mostly about the sermon which I’ve titled “Opposites Attract.” The idea for the sermon began after a conversation I had with a friend after our Sunday morning Adult Spiritual Formation.
By the way, if you have been giving some thought to join—please do! We meet before church from 8:30 to 9:30 (coffee provided) to discuss the week’s sermon scripture. Pastor Dan leads us in learning about the writers, history, setting and audience as to when the scripture was written, which leads to great discussion. I provide color commentary. I know this because I’ve seen Pastor Dan’s face turn red at times.
But this week my thoughts have also been around a discussion in the Friday Morning Men’s Group I attend. We were discussing a book that was challenging us to “have a purpose bigger than ourselves.” That led us to a discussion about one’s purpose and often the difficulty in finding or knowing one’s purpose in life—a great big question. Fortunately, one of us said that he believed he had a moment of inspiration surrounding this thought. He said that too often the search to find one’s purpose in life leads to not finding one’s purpose, or at the very least to frustration and depression. He said it doesn’t have to be that difficult, that in fact, it can be very simple. He suggested that one’s purpose in life can simply be to be faithful to God and do your absolute best with the opportunities to serve others in front of you.
Over the years, I have recorded in the blank pages of my Bible words of wisdom that I have heard or read—I have some really good ones. I added this one. I added it because if someone ever asks how they might find God’s purpose for their life, I would like to remember to simply suggest: “Be faithful to God and do your best with the opportunities to serve others in front of you.” Sounds a lot like John Wesley, doesn’t it?
So here’s my memo to you this week: If you don’t know your life’s purpose, start with this one. And please join us for Adult Spiritual Formation—its kind of fun to watch Dan’s face turn red.
I hope to see you this Sunday and may God’s blessings be made known to you this day!
Drake Talbert