Pastoral Pondering

Written by Rev. Martha Langford, Senior Pastor at Second/First Church of Rockford, IL

Tell Me Your Why

In John’s gospel, Jesus talks about being the “good shepherd” and he does this by
contrasting his own work with the actions of the thief whose purpose is to steal, kill, and
destroy. Instead, Jesus says, “I came so that they (his sheep) may have life and have it
abundantly. I AM the good shepherd.” There is a deep spiritual link between the
abundant life Jesus promises and the purpose we find as Jesus followers.
Unlike the scattered attentions of the world at large, Jesus followers focus on knowing
God. As we grow in faith, we learn the difference between the temporary happiness
connected to our circumstances and the steadfast joy connected to our relationship with
God.
Over time, we learn that following Jesus is never a solo experience. We belong to the
flock that belongs to Jesus. At its best, the church community shoulders each other’s
burdens and celebrates each other’s achievements. We live and learn and grow our
faith—together.

Following Jesus sets our feet on a different path. It points us to our highest calling: to
live in relationship to God and to others in ways that demonstrate genuine love.
Whatever our vocation—butcher, baker, candlestick maker—everything we do and say
in our daily lives is meant to conform to the double love of God and neighbor.
This leaves us with a WHOLE lot of room for discernment. Whom do we serve? What
are the unique circumstances that surround our community of faith? What needs exist?
What resources exist? What are our plans? When do make them a reality? How do we
get started? Where do we go from there? But perhaps most important to this whole
discernment is the question of WHY?

Knowing that our neighbors are hungry, is the WHY for Serious Soup, Jubilee Soup, Food
Pantry collections, Crop Walk, the Souper Bowl of Sharing…

Knowing that unhoused neighbors risk serious illness and death during winter’s frigid
nights, is the WHY for Overnight Café…

Knowing that the institutional church has marginalized those God calls beloved children
is the WHY for our Welcoming Covenant…

Knowing that we are intended to glorify God and enjoy God forever is the WHY for
weekly worship, for the nurture of our children, for deeper study, for fellowship…

Not only do we have a bigger, community wide answer to WHY, we also have individual
why’s. These are the purposes that move our hearts and, when shared, motivate others
to join in.

So my question to you is this, What’s your why?

I’d love to hear it.

Blessings,

Martha