Great read, Justin. I loved the analogy of the trail you used. I think it is such a great reminder that it is often easier to have conversations with a stranger than with those closest to us. At least, it is for me.
Such a great read Justin. First, I love the question(s) your daughter brought up. I'm a lot older than she is, and I can honestly say I sometimes have those same questions. I immediately tried putting myself in her shoes, and asked myself, what frame of mind am I approaching this question with. And it's a frame of mind that comes with living and existing in a sinful world. I have to wonder, what would our questions look like if we lived in the paradise that existed before sin entered the world? The instructions God gave in the beginning would be all that we know...no death, no pain, no worries, no bills, no sickness, etc. In other words, there would be no distractions that force us away from God's purpose. God's intent and purpose for our lives is ALL that we would know and work towards daily.
And second, just this morning, my pastor mentioned that a series he's starting in the Fall will be titled, "Teach Me How to Worship". He said that so many people simply do not accurately understand what true worship is and why we do it; your article helped confirm that for me.
Thanks for writing this. I used to ask this question a lot. Sometimes I still do, even if I can cognitively provide the answer for it.
The questioning peaked during my NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) period after graduating uni. I went to YWAM during this period and it turns out that many of my fellow classmates were struggling with similar questions. One of them expressed during class that knowing how God can do everything without us makes life feel superfluous.
I forgot how our teacher responded to that statement then, and I got my answer from an unrelated sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, which explained how measuring our worth with the wrong criteria could lead to such extreme divisions, both inside and out of church.
We tend to measure our value based on what we can bring to the table, what value we can add to the world or our surroundings. We want to be indispensable to something or someone, and getting into heated fights over our chosen cause (even if it's over something trivial like defending your favourite movie/celebrity/etc. from critics and haters) invigorates that feeling of importance.
The sermon concludes that these are all forms of pride, and what really gives us our worth is not what we're fighting for, but the One who fights for us.
Now I would say that to be desired is more precious than to be needed; to be truly seen and still cherished and given attention, rather than simply drawn in to satisfy another's lack.
The trail analogy made this beautifully clear. A loving father may not need his child’s help, but inviting her into the work gives her belonging, joy, purpose, and a shared story with him. I also appreciated your reminder that worship is far larger than singing in church. Enjoying God’s gifts with gratitude, caring for what He created, and participating in His goodness can all become acts of worship. We were not created to fill a lack in God, but welcomed into a relationship with a Father who delights in sharing His life with us. Beautifully explained, Justin.
Great read, Justin. I loved the analogy of the trail you used. I think it is such a great reminder that it is often easier to have conversations with a stranger than with those closest to us. At least, it is for me.
Thanks Joseph!!! I 100% agree with you on that. I tend to walk on eggshells more around those I love.
After all, Jesus was rejected in His hometown for a reason. Sometimes familiarity can make truth conversations harder.
This is so helpful Justin. Excellent work.
Thank you so much Jonathan!
This was excellent Justin, and I'm so glad you and your daughter are having these conversations!
Thank you so much Faron!
Such a great read Justin. First, I love the question(s) your daughter brought up. I'm a lot older than she is, and I can honestly say I sometimes have those same questions. I immediately tried putting myself in her shoes, and asked myself, what frame of mind am I approaching this question with. And it's a frame of mind that comes with living and existing in a sinful world. I have to wonder, what would our questions look like if we lived in the paradise that existed before sin entered the world? The instructions God gave in the beginning would be all that we know...no death, no pain, no worries, no bills, no sickness, etc. In other words, there would be no distractions that force us away from God's purpose. God's intent and purpose for our lives is ALL that we would know and work towards daily.
And second, just this morning, my pastor mentioned that a series he's starting in the Fall will be titled, "Teach Me How to Worship". He said that so many people simply do not accurately understand what true worship is and why we do it; your article helped confirm that for me.
Thank you so much Meagan! That is such a good point you bring up. If we lived in a sinless world, this wouldn’t be a question people wrestled with.
If fear, doubt, pride and pain didn’t exist, our purpose would be a lot clearer to perceive.
I’m glad your pastor is gearing up to teach about worship, that’s awesome. The timing makes me wonder what God is up to right now :)
Thanks for writing this. I used to ask this question a lot. Sometimes I still do, even if I can cognitively provide the answer for it.
The questioning peaked during my NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) period after graduating uni. I went to YWAM during this period and it turns out that many of my fellow classmates were struggling with similar questions. One of them expressed during class that knowing how God can do everything without us makes life feel superfluous.
I forgot how our teacher responded to that statement then, and I got my answer from an unrelated sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, which explained how measuring our worth with the wrong criteria could lead to such extreme divisions, both inside and out of church.
We tend to measure our value based on what we can bring to the table, what value we can add to the world or our surroundings. We want to be indispensable to something or someone, and getting into heated fights over our chosen cause (even if it's over something trivial like defending your favourite movie/celebrity/etc. from critics and haters) invigorates that feeling of importance.
The sermon concludes that these are all forms of pride, and what really gives us our worth is not what we're fighting for, but the One who fights for us.
Now I would say that to be desired is more precious than to be needed; to be truly seen and still cherished and given attention, rather than simply drawn in to satisfy another's lack.
This is so good Vanya, thank you for adding this! These are really great points all around.
The trail analogy made this beautifully clear. A loving father may not need his child’s help, but inviting her into the work gives her belonging, joy, purpose, and a shared story with him. I also appreciated your reminder that worship is far larger than singing in church. Enjoying God’s gifts with gratitude, caring for what He created, and participating in His goodness can all become acts of worship. We were not created to fill a lack in God, but welcomed into a relationship with a Father who delights in sharing His life with us. Beautifully explained, Justin.
Thank you so much for the kind feedback Amy!