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Where are you going?
I can remember multiple times as a kid my parents asking, “Where are you going?” Whether it was simply going next door to play with my friends or setting off on my bike, my parents wanted to know my destination, companions, and route. Their question persisted, especially as I grew older and began driving myself. It was not just for their reassurance; it also served as a reminder of the values my parents were trying to instill within me. Their persistent question was a reminder of who I was being raised to be and how I should live my life. It’s funny how things change with age; now, I find myself asking my sons, “Where are you going?”
My parents’ question, “Where are you going?” echoed in my heart for the past week. Throughout the week, my brother David repeatedly emphasized that the most important thing in our lives is being with Jesus. This question resonated deeply with me because to be with Jesus, I need to apply the reminders that David offered us. If heaven is my ultimate goal, by God’s grace and mercy, I must be willing to take one step at a time in that direction. The journey to heaven is a lifelong pursuit of God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:1-4).
Our week with David began on Saturday morning. David discussed at length with the young people the need to cultivate a “faith that lasts.” While I may no longer be considered a young man, those discussions were excellent reminders of how influential the world may be in our lives. We have been called to travel the straight and narrow path toward heaven. This will not always be the easiest route, but it will definitely be the most rewarding. David encouraged us to press on and draw close to God, and I needed those reminders.
Our gospel meeting began on Sunday morning in Bible class with the question - “Are we too rigid?” David helped us to realize that God calls us to be dedicated and meticulous in our obedience to His will. We should never handle the Word of God aimlessly. In our morning worship, David asked another probing question - “Why do churches decline?” This sermon established many of the themes that would be reiterated throughout the week; i.e. reaching the lost, praying for the prodigals, and maturing in our relationships with one another. David concluded Sunday evening with a sermon entitled – “Do not fear.” In a world shrouded in darkness, our Lord has called upon His disciples to imitate Him. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, we should not succumb to fear! May God grant us the courage to navigate this treacherous world.
On Monday, David surveyed the Bible in a sermon entitled – Worship Stories. Our God has always desired worship, but we must worship in accordance with His revealed will. When man disobeys God’s authorized pattern for worship, there will be consequences. On Tuesday, David opened up and discussed the sensitive topic of prodigals with us. Our hearts were heavy this evening as we contemplated our children, friends, and family who might have strayed from following Jesus, but David encouraged us all to “never give up” and to “continue” the march toward Zion.
The following evening, David called for workers on the wall from Nehemiah 3. Every individual member is essential for the success of the whole body. Everyone is called to work as we journey together toward heaven. What a beautiful reminder of the work set before us - the greatest work achieved on earth is preparing for an eternity in heaven with God! On Thursday evening, we are asked two extremely important questions – “Do I believe people are lost? Do I care?” No one escaped the toe stomping this evening, but rather David set before us a need to rekindle the fire for evangelism in our hearts and lives. If we truly care for those who live around us, then we will be motivated to share with them Jesus!
On the final evening, David shared a lesson on rekindling the fire within us. We recognize that the world we live in is challenging and filled with disappointments and obstacles. However, our God has called us to be the salt and light of this world. In our struggle to overcome the difficulties of life, there’s a real chance of allowing our passion to fade away. David urged us to renew our zeal for the Lord with just three simple words: gratitude, perspective, and action. If we remember these instructions from Titus 2:11-14, our passion can be rekindled once again!
At the end of this gospel meeting, I am reminded of my parents’ question: “Where are you going?” This question is now being asked of each of us. What are we going to do with the sermons we’ve heard this past week? Where are we going to take them? Will I apply the lessons and rekindle the fire in my heart for the gospel and those in my sphere of influence? Will I seek opportunities to sow the seed of the kingdom? Where am I going, and who will I bring along with me? May God bless our efforts to apply the lessons we’ve heard this past week.
