"Why Am I Here?"

Pastor Laura Guy

January 17, 2010

Here's an instant replay of what happened in worship:

We watched a multimedia presentation with images from the Civil Rights era and Dr. Martin Luther King.
We heard the traveler wonder, "Why am I here? What's my purpose?" Her new friend shared Matt 5:14-16 with her.
We thought about the answers some people give to the question, "Why am I here?" Some would say we are just a random accident, a combination of evolution and human biology. But if we believe that God is Creator, and that God created us, then there must be a purpose for our lives.
We saw that the Westminster Shorter Catechism asked the question in 1640, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Jesus was asked a similar question - "What is the greatest commandment?" He answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." In the book Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren begins the book by reminding us, "It's not about you."
We remembered the story from "It's a Wonderful Life." George Bailey thinks his life is insignificant, that people would be better off if he had never been born. An angel shows him how different life would be for his community and his loved ones if he wasn't born. George is shocked that his seemingly insignificant life has had such a huge effect on people.
We imagined being in a cave with all the lights turned off. In the complete darkness, even a tiny little light dispels the darkness, giving hope. Jesus tells us that we are to be the light of the world, shining into the dark places.
We remembered the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how he shined light into some very dark places. We also thought about all those who are working around the clock to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Even those of us who can only pray and give money to the relief effort are still shining the light of Christ into that very dark tragedy.
We prayed that we would find places to fulfill our purpose, to shine the light of Christ.
We celebrated communion around the table of light and hope.