5/15/16 Sermon - More than Trying Harder

I resonated with the way Jenn described what we're ultimately yearning for.  It's easier to describe what it's not than what it actually is.  "It's more than trying harder."




Whatever it is, it definitely isn't just about trying harder.


All the wisdom and all the knowledge and truth and beauty were laid in a package at a man's doorstep.  He wasn't sure where any of it had come from.  He looked around and didn't see anybody.  He shouted out, "OK, I'll try harder."


How do we respond when we've been shown the beauty of our families, the gift of life itself, the fragility of the present moment which is always passing away?


We don't just try harder.  We pay attention.


Who is around you right now that could use an anonymous gift, an encouraging note, or a gift that can't be repaid?


I went home after the sermon and my 7 month old fell asleep in the car on the way home and Jessica was at a meeting.  I decided to sit down and watch some of the 2011 film The Tree of Life.  Everyone should watch this film one to thirteen or fourteen times in their life.


Jenn conveyed to us that "it's more than trying harder."  As she put it, we do better to turn what we're doing over to God.  I like the prayer she gave us: "Let my life not be about my life."


Obedience begins with prayer.  Your response to God today is waiting for you in your prayer.  "Let my life not be about my life today."  "God, let your name be hallowed in my life today."  Things will happen even as you speak those words to God.  Images will come.  People will pop into your head.  You'll think of things and people and duties that you wish you hadn't.  "Surely not that, Lord!"  When that happens, pray again.  "Lord, give me courage."  Park the car by the side of the road.  Make the call.  Fire off the email.


Paul's life wasn't about his life: "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance." (Acts 28:30-31)


Paul died in Rome while he was doing just this sort of thing.  What is the thing you could spend two whole years doing, that you would do for another 40 years uninterrupted if need be if God allowed you the time?


All the wisdom and all the knowledge and truth and beauty were laid in a package at a woman's doorstep.  She wasn't sure where any of it had come from.  She looked around and didn't see anybody.  She opened it.