Rediscovering Our 'Why': Purpose in Service and Community

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the critical importance of remembering our 'why' in our spiritual journey and the dangers of losing sight of it. I began by addressing the volunteers at Fairlawn Church, acknowledging the hard work they put in and the potential for their service to feel like a job. I emphasized the need for conversation and accountability when our service starts to feel burdensome, as this could be a sign that we are drifting from our 'why'.

I then delved into the concept of 'the split', where the reasons why we do something begin to diverge from what we are actually doing. I warned against the danger of forgetting our 'why', as it can lead to a loss of purpose and direction. I drew parallels to businesses that lose sight of their original mission and become solely focused on profit and success.

I shared the internal struggle that some may face, where everything appears fine externally, but internally there is turmoil. I reassured everyone that Fairlawn Church is a place where such struggles can be shared and addressed, and that God does not intend for us to live in torment.

The story of Nehemiah served as a powerful example of someone whose heart broke for people he had never met, prompting him to take action. I highlighted the historical context of the Israelites' release from captivity and their return to Jerusalem. I pointed out that only a small fraction of the Israelites chose to return, illustrating how the comfort of slavery can sometimes seem more appealing than the uncertainty of freedom. This served as a metaphor for how we can become enslaved to our habits, addictions, or mindsets, even when freedom is available to us.

I also touched on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and how, despite initial enthusiasm, the Israelites faced opposition and setbacks. This story was used to encourage the congregation to persevere in their faith and to help rebuild the 'broken walls' in our community.

I emphasized the importance of fellowship and human connection, which are increasingly scarce in today's society. I explained how these connections release oxytocin, the 'feel-good hormone', and how even simple actions like smiling can have a profound impact on our well-being.

Key Takeaways:

- Our 'why' is the driving force behind our actions, and it must be safeguarded against the distractions of success or the despair of failure. When we lose sight of our 'why', our 'what' can become hollow and unfulfilling. It's essential to regularly reflect on our purpose and ensure it aligns with our daily actions. [19:42]

- The comfort of known struggles can sometimes be more appealing than the uncertainty of freedom. It's crucial to recognize when we are choosing the familiarity of our chains over the risk of liberty. True freedom often requires stepping into the unknown and trusting God to guide us through the uncertainty. [25:21]

- The story of Nehemiah is not just a historical account but a present-day call to action. We are challenged to feel the pain of others and to work towards rebuilding the brokenness in our communities. Our faith is not just for personal edification but for communal restoration. [24:13]

- Fellowship and human connection are integral to our spiritual and emotional health. In a world where digital communication is prevalent, we must not forget the power of personal interaction and the physiological benefits it brings. The church should be a place where these connections are fostered and celebrated. [29:08]

- Service within the church should never become a mere job. If our ministry begins to feel like a burden, it's a signal to reevaluate our involvement and possibly make changes. Our service should be a joyful expression of our love for God and others, not a source of stress or obligation. [21:11]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 1:1-4 - Nehemiah's heart breaks for Jerusalem.
2. Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah encourages the people to rebuild the walls.
3. Hebrews 10:24-25 - The importance of fellowship and encouraging one another.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction when he heard about the condition of Jerusalem? (Nehemiah 1:1-4)
2. How did Nehemiah motivate the people to start rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
3. According to Hebrews 10:24-25, why is fellowship important for believers?
4. In the sermon, what did the pastor describe as "the split" and how does it affect our spiritual journey? ([21:35])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah's heart broke for people he had never met? How does this reflect God's heart for His people? (Nehemiah 1:1-4)
2. What are some modern-day examples of "the split" where our 'why' diverges from our 'what'? ([21:35])
3. How can the comfort of known struggles be more appealing than the uncertainty of freedom, as mentioned in the sermon? ([24:43])
4. How does the release of oxytocin during human connection relate to the biblical call for fellowship and community? ([29:08])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own 'why' for serving in the church. Has it ever felt like a job? What steps can you take to realign your 'why' with your 'what'? ([21:11])
2. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt like you were in "the split"? How did you address it, or how can you address it now? ([21:35])
3. Think about a habit, addiction, or mindset that you are comfortable with but know is not beneficial. What steps can you take to embrace the uncertainty of freedom and trust God in that process? ([24:43])
4. When was the last time you felt the pain of others and took action to help? How can you be more intentional about this in your community? ([24:13])
5. How can you foster more meaningful human connections in your daily life, especially in a world dominated by digital communication? ([29:08])
6. What are some practical ways you can help rebuild the 'broken walls' in your community, as Nehemiah did in Jerusalem? ([25:55])
7. How can you ensure that your service within the church remains a joyful expression of your love for God and others, rather than a source of stress or obligation? ([21:11])

Devotional

Day 1: Guarding Our Spiritual Compass
In the journey of faith, it's easy to become preoccupied with the mechanics of religious practice and lose sight of the deeper reasons behind our actions. The 'why' of our spiritual life is the compass that guides us, giving meaning to our worship, service, and daily living. When this compass is neglected, one's spiritual practice can become a hollow routine, devoid of the passion and purpose that once fueled it. It's essential to regularly reflect on the purpose behind one's faith to ensure it aligns with daily actions and remains a source of fulfillment and direction. This reflection is not a one-time event but a continuous process that helps prevent the drift into spiritual monotony and ensures that the 'what' of our actions is always rooted in a meaningful 'why'. [19:42]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" - 2 Corinthians 13:5

Reflection: What specific aspect of your spiritual practice have you been doing more out of habit than heartfelt conviction, and how can you rekindle the 'why' behind it?

Day 2: Embracing the Uncertainty of Freedom
The allure of the familiar can be a powerful force, often more comforting than the prospect of stepping into the unknown. However, true freedom in faith often requires leaving behind the security of known struggles and trusting in the path God has laid out, even when it leads into uncharted territory. This step into freedom can be daunting, but it is necessary for growth and transformation. The chains of habit, addiction, or mindset may feel safe, but they keep one from experiencing the fullness of life that comes with spiritual liberty. Recognizing when one is choosing familiarity over freedom is the first step towards embracing the life that God intends, a life of faith and trust in His guidance through the uncertainties of life. [25:21]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you are clinging to the familiar instead of embracing the freedom Christ offers. What is one step you can take today towards that freedom?

Day 3: Rebuilding Our Community's Brokenness
The story of Nehemiah is a poignant reminder that one's faith journey is not solely for personal edification but also for the restoration of the community. Nehemiah's heartbreak for the plight of his people moved him to action, and similarly, believers are called to feel the pain of others and work towards mending the fractures within their own communities. This call to action is not just about physical rebuilding, as in the case of Jerusalem's walls, but also about addressing the spiritual and relational disrepair that exists. It is a challenge to look beyond oneself and contribute to the collective healing and strengthening of the community, embodying the love and compassion that are at the heart of the faith. [24:13]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to healing a specific 'broken wall' within your community this week?

Day 4: The Power of Personal Connection
In a world where digital communication often replaces face-to-face interaction, the importance of personal connection cannot be overstated. Human fellowship is not just a pleasant addition to life but a vital component of spiritual and emotional health. These connections, whether through a shared smile or a deep conversation, release oxytocin and foster a sense of well-being. The church is meant to be a sanctuary where these bonds are nurtured and celebrated, a place where individuals can come together in unity and experience the tangible benefits of fellowship. In doing so, the church becomes a beacon of hope and a source of strength in an increasingly isolated society. [29:08]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

Reflection: Who in your life could use a personal touch of encouragement today, and how can you provide it?

Day 5: Joyful Service as an Expression of Love
Service within the church should be a vibrant expression of one's love for God and others, not a burdensome task that leads to stress or obligation. When the act of serving begins to feel like a job, it's a clear signal to pause and reevaluate one's involvement. It may be time to realign one's service with the joy and love that should be at its core. This reevaluation is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to renew one's commitment to serving with a joyful heart. By doing so, one can transform their service from a source of weariness to a source of joy and fulfillment, both for themselves and for those they serve. [21:11]

"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" - Psalm 100:2

Reflection: Reflect on your current service within the church. Is there an aspect that feels burdensome, and how can you approach it with renewed joy and love?

Quotes

"When we start off doing something, our 'why' is very clear. Like, why are you doing what you're doing? Well, I'm doing it because I want to connect people to Jesus, I want people to experience what I've experienced. So we start off at the beginning with our 'why'. Now, when our 'why' starts, a 'why' by itself is not gonna... You gotta have a 'what' behind it, what are you gonna do, and you gotta have a 'how' behind it, a plan." [19:42]( | | )

"Everything's going good, man. Yeah, let me tell you about Jesus, let me tell you what He's done for me, and you feel so free. But then, after time goes by, oh man, I'm back to doing the same things I used to do. I've gone back to all the same thing, I've gone back to being a slave to my old ways, to my old mindsets, my old thoughts, my old habits, my old patterns." [19:05]( | | )

"This story about Nehemiah, it's not just this historic story from long ago, but it is a present-day reality. Nehemiah, he sits down, his heart breaks for people that he's never met before... It's easier a lot of times to live in the comfort of slavery than to live in the uncertainty of freedom. Some of you, you stay in the slave mindset, you stay in this mindset of captivity because you're afraid of the uncertainty." [24:13]( | | )

"We have a community, we have people in this city that right now, as we're sitting here, they are out there with walking around with broken walls, and the enemy just keeps coming in and just tormenting them and just knocking the walls down... It's so easy for us not to connect that pain that we've experienced to that pain that others experience." [26:21]( | | )

"That human connection has... well, it's kind of just faded away in today's society. It's all emails and even text messages or even conference calls and video... But we were meant for fellowship, we were meant for connection. You know, when you walk up to somebody and you meet somebody and you start talking to them, there's a hormone that's released, it's oxytocin that's released in your body." [28:38]( | | )

"If you are a volunteer here at Fairlawn Church and what you're doing is starting to feel like a job, and you feel the same way as when you go to work Monday through Friday as you do when you come to Fairlawn Church, we need to talk. That's a sign that something somewhere is just not right... It might mean that you need to get out of what you're doing, but don't just continue going and thinking all things are going to just kind of fall back into place." [21:11]( | | )

"This is the atmosphere, I hope it is, that you can talk about it. You can come and talk to one of the pastors, one of the deacons, and we will sit with you and we will talk with you because this is living where everything looks perfect is no way to live. Because eventually, this is going to catch up to that, and then it's going to be just total torment. God, I will tell you right now, you are a son or you are a daughter, and God does not want you, it is not His plan for you to live in torment." [23:37]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?