More than You and Me

Dear Crosswalkers,

Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who seemed to specialize in original thought.  While most psychologists were studying mental illnesses and emotional problems, Maslow focused on happy people.  He wanted to know what influenced a person to be joyful and productive (what he called the "self-actualized" person).  Of course, volumes have been written about this, but I want to share with you one of his quotes that sums up his studies:  “Without exception, I have found that every person who is sincerely happy and radiantly alive is living for a cause that is greater than themselves.”

I am convinced that God made us for more than ourselves.  Jesus came to earth to save us from ourselves and our sin, and to introduce us to what he called the abundant life.  This is life in the Spirit of Jesus, a life of being connected to God and to others, and a life devoted to a cause greater than ourselves.  That cause is the Kingdom of God.  That cause for us is making Jesus known.  It is outreach, faith sharing and missions; and it is the only cause bigger than ourselves that is worth our absolute allegiance.  There was a book written several years ago on building strong marriages entitled More Than You and Me.  The premise is that successful marriages have a mission.  There is more to life that just you and me.  There is God’s mission to this world. 

This Sunday we are celebrating some milestones in our church family!  Over the past 11 years, we have raised over a million dollars for missions and over a million dollars to repay our debt.  This is on top of our investment in local ministry!  We are a generous church, and we are a church family that is not inward focussed but outward focussed.  This is the secret of joy - investing our lives is something greater than ourselves!  God has honored our focus, and we must praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow!  Please join us for a fantastic morning of worship and praise to God for his faithfulness to us, followed by an all church lunch!  

Looking forward to celebrating with you,

Pastor John Christie