According to a 2015 Deloitte Survey, 6 out of 10 Millennials chose to work for their current employers due to their “sense of purpose.” What we value gives us purpose. Just as organizations have values, individuals do also. Most people have 5 to 7 core values that identify who they are. For the Christian, we are to be “in the world, but not of it.” We are to be different than the world – in our values, in our beliefs, in our character and in our behavior.
Where does my faith intersect with this topic? What is “the pointe” of this passage? How can I explain “the pointe” to a non-believer? How does “the pointe” help me be different than the world?
We like to celebrate.
The recent coronavirus pandemic has changed how we celebrate the major events and holidays of life. At the outset for many, our weddings, graduations, and birthdays were simply postponed. But soon we have learned to adapt.
A pastor friend was celebrating his thirty-fifth year in the ministry with little fanfare. The church had been streaming services on the internet, but no one had attended worship in the building for weeks. Even without Sunday responsibilities, his office routine followed a rigid schedule and the day was coming to a close at about five o’clock. As he walked out the office door to his car parked in the parking lot, a caravan of horn-honking, streamer-waving congregants drove past the startled and appreciative man. Some handed cards out the car windows. Others offered words of encouragement and thanksgiving.
Amherst County High School, a school between Richmond and Roanoke Virginia, creatively celebrated graduates this year with “Commencement in Cars.” Every senior was given tickets for two cars. Families were encouraged to decorate the cars with inspirational messages and school spirit. A jumbo screen projected senior speeches to the folks in parked cars. At the conclusion of the speeches, cars with the seniors drove down the lane that housed the school, where teachers and school staff were standing ten feet apart, cheering and leading the cars to a stage where the senior got out of the car, walked across the stage and received a diploma. Area businesses donated for pictures to be taken. After the diploma ceremony, a parade of cars through the town was cheered by family and friends.
“Seeing all of these cars celebrating with balloons and markers and stuff, it’s awesome,” said class president Zamire Andrews. “We will go down in history.”
We have grown up believing we celebrate our successes. When we graduate, a party is thrown in our honor. When we get the new job, a banquet is served to commemorate the special occasion.
The Bible teaches a slightly different concept. We are to boast in our weaknesses. We are to celebrate God’s involvement in our lives. We rejoice in His words to us. We are nourished by them and enjoy. We see His power and purpose in our lives and give Him the glory – the credit – for what He accomplishes through us. We celebrate the people who have surrendered their lives to Him in faith and obedience.
Come, celebrate the Lord. “We will celebrate and praise you, Lord! You are good to us and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough …” (Psalm 106:1-2a CEV).
