The Eternal, Better Life

This will be brief, but hopefully will give further glimpse into my heart and hope for us as a church moving forward.

Along with many family and friends, Kayla and I celebrated the life of her cousin, Kyle, today. Last Friday, he took his own life. It was devastating to hear about. It has been painful to watch so many loved ones walk with severe hurt and sadness. There are many, many questions. Many of them will go unanswered. This past week has caused me to question. Matter of fact, if you were with us this past Sunday night, I shared that question with you. It has been born out of what I believe is one thing followers of Jesus could do better and make immediate impact in the lives of others around them.

When Christians live like this life is the best, can we truly give hope to others who believe this life offers only the worst?

There are many people around us that believe this life has nothing good to offer. In North Springs, many people, younger people in particular, have believed this life offers nothing but the worst; no hope.

What if we as disciples of Jesus lived this life in light of eternal, better life to come? How might we be able to inspire others to celebrate this life with Jesus if we actually lived believing we are stewards and not owners ? Could we impact people in our influential sphere by not scratching for more, for better, for what we think is ours for the taking? I’m convicted that areas of my life have been lived in such a way that communicates I think this life is the best. My hope for Storied Church is that all who take part in our mission will never stop looking for greater Jesus-like influence in this life, but always holding in tension that we are kingdom-minded for the sake of others. We must live as givers of hope for those who need it.

So, what does this mean? For Kayla and I, we want to take captive every opportunity before us and ask the Lord, “Will this make Kingdom impact or our kingdom impact?”

There are many who need hope around us. They need hope that something good can occur in this life. They need hope that something makes sense of this life when it is hard. They need hope that something truly is better and worth celebrating as they wait in anticipation for it. They need Jesus. We can offer Jesus to them. I truly hope that is what we are known for - in all areas of our lives.

I look forward to navigating this with each of you. I look forward to those who will experience hope because of it, too.

Let us hold these words as more valued to hear than anything this week.

“Well done, my good and faithful [voluntary] servant. You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” - Jesus, Matthew 25:21

All for Jesus,

Tim