You have ten seconds to name the most important things in a human life. The buzzer is about to go, and you are torn – family comes to mind, inspiration, creativity, joy, and learning all bubble to the surface. But the two you decide on just before the time runs out are these – A sense of Belonging, and a Purpose in life. Yep, those two. Belonging may be the beating heart behind our drive to make family – to find someone to join together with, and maybe even create a family of our own. Belonging, and the yearning for it, is behind all those fraternities and collegial groups of the past. Today, as society morphs, it might be more likely to find our sense of belonging in being a fan of Game of Thrones, or the Avengers, but the feeling that others ‘get it’ remains. The sense of purpose is a longstanding human desire, too. The desire to have one’s life stand for something has propelled people to public service – think of the young people who volunteered to serve in the military the day after Pearl Harbor. Today I am concerned that this sense of purpose can be distorted into simply a desire for infamy – look at the shooter at Mother Emanuel 2 years ago and see the desperate yearning for purpose twisted out of all recognition.
The disciples of Jesus were people too. Peter and Paul, particularly, are described so well in the gospels, as men with flaws. And Peter and Paul wanted what we want – belonging and purpose. Paul never met the man Jesus (or at least it isn’t mentioned in the bible if he did). but, he was part of circle of important and educated young men who oppressed the burgeoning Christian faith. He ‘held the coats’ of the crowd who stoned Stephen, an early deacon, to death for his faithfulness to Jesus. I do not think I would have liked Paul much before the road to Damascus moment in Acts chapter 9.
But, on that road, Paul encounters the risen Jesus – we know it is him because he says “Why are you Persecuting me?” And Jesus knocks him off his horse, blinds him, and sends him to the home of Ananias to recuperate. And there, Paul regains his sight, is cared for, and gently tutored by Ananias, to find a new purpose in life. To serve the Son of God, in a mission of caring for the world.
Church, at its best, is about belonging and purpose. What is your experience in your church body to claim that focus? At Holy Cross Lutheran in Salem, we are trying to bring these conversations to the table, and be an intentional community in our little corner of the world. How will you find belonging and purpose today? How will you encourage those around you to do the same, in a way that builds up our community rather than tearing it down? My prayers are with you all as you seek Belonging and Purpose today. Join us Sundays at 9:30 am, 1998 Lansing Ave NE, Salem, OR 97301. www.holycrosslutheran-salem.org