7.4.10 – “Welcoming everyone, wherever they are, to be a growing follower of Jesus.”

On this day every year, our country celebrates its independence. Over time, it has become known mainly for picnicking and fireworks, but we also tell the stories of George Washington and the troops, of the men who put their lives on the line to sign the Declaration of Independence, and of the onerous taxation and oppression that led them to do such a thing.

We talk about the issues like slavery (which, admittedly, took us almost a hundred years after independence to get right) and manifest destiny and national pride. And one word keeps coming out over and over: freedom.

Isaiah 42:6-7
"I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” (NIV)

I love our country and the freedoms we have here, but true freedom only comes through Jesus Christ. A lot of what people in this country think of as freedom actually becomes enslavement, as they find themselves addicted to one vice or another.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

We read about the Revolutionary War and most of us would never think of letting the United States go back under British rule. They’re our allies, but we don’t want their parliament ruling over us. The great-grandchildren of slaves in this country would never think of going back to working on a plantation.

So, what’s Paul’s warning about? Doesn’t it seem silly to even warn someone about doing something they’d never do? There’re two slaveries Paul is warning against returning to. One is the slavery to sin. We all battle that. But in Galatians, he is especially warning the Christians not to fall into slavery to the law, because they are now under grace.

I know our culture (like all others) is enslaved by sin. But most people don’t realize that. What they do realize is that they’re enslaved to a life they don’t want.

[Scene from “The Two Towers” where Eowyn laments that she’ll never get to go to war like the men. Scene from “It’s A Wonderful Life” where George talks about wanting to do something big, not be stuck in a penny ante office.]

What these characters are wishing for is what everyone wishes for: a life of significance.

I actually thought of several movie and TV clips I could play here. From “Star Wars” to “Smallville”, we are often treated to stories about someone who dreams of a life different from that they have. A life that accomplishes something. A life of purpose.

Those movies resonate with us because a lot of people ask the question, “What’s my purpose in life?” Maybe a question that should be asked before (or in return) is, “Why do you think you need a purpose?”

Answer: because we’re living, breathing, significance-needing beings!

We all desire to be people of value, but the world is telling us we’re just a product of random chance. People want to rebel against that. They may not believe they are of value just because you say so, but get ‘em talking. “What sort of purpose would you like to have?” “What makes you think purpose is important?”

What happens, though? Where do people typically find their purpose? It’s often with work, or their family. Mind you, these are two good things. The Bible speaks very highly of both work and family. The problem is when either becomes a substitute for God.

It’s been said that we are all born with a hole in our heart. Remember those games a toddler plays? Put the square peg in the square hole, the round peg in the round hole, the cross-shaped peg … etc.? The hole in our heart we are all born with has a very specific shape: Jesus. As long as we search for significance elsewhere, I think we will always be unfulfilled.

Let me add this little caveat, that may surprise you: I think when we search for our significance in Christ, we will sometimes feel unfulfilled, too. But it’s a different feeling.

Psalm 84:1-4
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (NIV)

Once we get to know Christ well, our desire is to know him even better. And that longing will always—in this life—be somewhat unfulfilled. That’s all right, and it’s perfectly natural, because we’re not home, yet.
Mark 1:16-18
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. (NIV)

The story is told that Steve Jobs—CEO of Apple—years ago walked into the office of an up-and-coming business man and asked him, “Do you want to be a millionaire or do you want to change the world?” What an offer of significance!

What we offer is far greater! We’re offering people a chance to change their lives, the world, and eternity!

What do I DO with this?

Where do you find your significance? For us to teach/lead toward significance, we need to know the source ourselves. It’s a focus on God and his son Jesus.