“His intent was that now through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known . . . according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” --Ephesians 3:10&11 (NIV)


Why Do We Do What We Do?

This time last year we asked the question above as individuals and as a church. We were in the middle of the “40 Days of Purpose”. We asked that question as we looked at five of the Bible’s answers to this question over six weeks and seven Sundays, and made an effort to apply the answers we found. It was a joyful and fruitful experience that has produced good outcomes throughout the year since then.

After more than 3 months of advance preparation, we packed in three all-church events, hosted weekly groups in a dozen homes, tried to keep up with daily 5-page personal readings and to memorize 5 verses from Scripture—all focused on the Biblical theme of God’s purpose for our lives personally and as a congregation. The 40 Days emphasis was a significant and God-blessed undertaking for Evangel. And blessing followed in re-formation of a dozen weekly groups, beginning last September, which met consistently through May.

Now we stand at summer’s doorstep. With you I hope for a break in the pace--some opportunities to breathe and enjoy, and get to the list of home tasks that also come with this too-short season. We are brimming with things we want to, and have to do in a fleeting few weeks time.

For all us, I pray this summer time includes intentional Kingdom based reflection on our lives in light of the big picture of life. The purpose driven perspective of Scripture, is a gift God has given to guide us. Inventory various aspects of your life. Ask yourself again, “Why do I do what I do?” This can be affirming and encouraging. It can also serve as a mirror that helps you see what and how to fine tune some area of your life or it may lead to more significant decisions and change. The Purpose Driven Life book, even the first chapter, is an excellent resource for personal reflection on this question. A better resource yet is thoughtful, prayerful reading and study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, from which the Bible quote above comes. Given a little more time, you might also use a Study Bible or a Bible concordance to track statements in the Scripture where words or phrases like “purpose”, “God’s will”, etc., are found

At Evangel, asking the question and coming up with some answers from our Creator’s perspective on why we do what we do, explains much of the unity and the good things we were blessed to experience in our fellowship and ministry over the past 12-months. And they will guide us in preparing for the Fall.

Have a great summer!

--Steve