ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 13, 2026
A colleague in ministry, Rebecca, for whom I have great respect, wrote the following on social media more than a decade ago, yet I continue to find it inspiring. She wrote, “A new day dawns, and I am once again practicing my purpose.” I love the attitude expressed in those words. Of course, before we can practice our purpose, we need to know our purpose. It might change as life changes, but life needs purpose. Mental health professionals tell us that purpose leads to less stress and more well-being. Yet I know people who will complain about volunteering or giving energy to a cause, suggesting they do not have the time. It sounds like stress, but when you have purpose, even when it creates busyness, there is a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. When the average American spends as much as seven hours each day on screens recreationally (doom scrolling), I do not believe we lack time. Speaking broadly, we as a nation do not know what we value, and for that reason, it is difficult to find purpose that will make the world a little better. I often point out how Jesus, early in Luke’s Gospel (chapter 4), read from the Prophet Isaiah, and in doing so, offered his purpose statement. From that point on, for the next three years, he spent his life seeking to make real what he had claimed:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
to proclaim release to the prisoners
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to liberate the oppressed,
and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
I think Jesus had purpose because God called him to that purpose, but his life also teaches us the importance of purpose. As people seek to find purpose, the question is often asked: Where do you see your gifts and the needs of the world coming together? Start there.
In faith, I believe you have a purpose for me, Good and Gracious God. It may not seem dramatic or garner headlines, but sometimes the most impactful actions I can take are to offer support, assemble a team, and align my energy with the positive energy of others. Continue to help me. Amen.
