Here on Purpose: Reflecting God's Love in Our Community

Have you ever wondered why you are where you are right now? Why Roswell Community Church meets where it does, or why you live in the neighborhood you do? These aren't just coincidences or random occurrences. God has strategically placed each of us exactly where we are for a purpose.

Consider the journey of a church that went from meeting in an elementary school to suddenly finding itself without a home. In just four short months, they faced an existential crisis - would they continue to exist? Property prices in their area were sky-high, and options seemed limited. But then, miraculously, a space became available in an office complex where they had been renting for their student ministry. In a whirlwind of events, the congregation raised a million dollars in just over a month to build out and move into this unconventional church space.

This story isn't just about a building, though. It's about God's faithfulness and sovereign plan. Over the next six years, this church would face a global pandemic that cut their congregation in half, experience a complete staff turnover, and witness countless lives transformed through addiction recovery, relational reconciliation, and spiritual growth. Through it all, God's hand was evident, working out His purposes in ways that often defied human logic or planning.

So why are we here? The apostle Peter gives us insight in his first epistle. He reminds us that we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Our purpose is clear - we are here to reflect God's love and glory to the world around us.

This calling isn't just for a select few; it's for every believer. We are all living stones being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as our cornerstone. Our very existence as the church is meant to showcase God's transforming love to our communities.

But how do we live this out practically? It starts by recognizing the three primary spheres of influence in our lives: church, home, and work. Our faith isn't meant to be compartmentalized, only expressed during a Sunday service. Instead, it should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing how we interact with our neighbors, raise our families, and conduct ourselves in our workplaces.

To truly be "here on purpose," we need to engage intentionally in each of these spheres. This might mean getting to know our neighbors better, praying for our coworkers, or finding ways to serve in our local community. It's about being aware of the needs around us and asking God how He wants us to respond.

One practical way to start is by simply observing and praying for our immediate surroundings. Who are the people God has placed in our path? What are their needs? What spiritual realities are at play in the places we often pass by on autopilot? By becoming more aware and prayerful, we open ourselves up to the ways God might want to use us.

Being "here on purpose" also involves discipleship. Our Christian walk is more than just consuming religious content; it's about living out our identity in Christ in a way that impacts everything we do. We're called not just to follow Jesus ourselves, but to show others what it looks like to follow Him too. This isn't about inviting people to a program, but about inviting them into a lifestyle of following Christ.

Prayer is another crucial element of living purposefully. When we pray, we align ourselves with God's movements and open ourselves to His shaping of our souls. Community prayer amplifies this, connecting us not just with God but with what He's doing among all of us. We should be praying for God's continued faithfulness, for His blessing on our efforts to reflect His love, and for His guidance in how to best serve our communities.

It's important to remember that none of this is dependent on our own strength or clever ideas. Everything we do is reliant on God's movement. As one pastor wisely asked, "What are we doing that is only going to work if God shows up and moves?" This perspective keeps us humble and dependent on God, recognizing that any fruit from our efforts is ultimately His doing.

As we consider how to be "here on purpose," let's not view it as a burden or an obligation. Instead, let's see it as a joyful response to what God has already done for us. We love because He first loved us. We serve because He served us. We extend grace because we've received immeasurable grace.

The call to be "here on purpose" is not a one-size-fits-all mandate. God may lead each of us to engage in different ways. For some, it might mean serving in a local ministry. For others, it could involve starting a small group or being more intentional about building relationships with neighbors. The key is to seek God's guidance and be open to His leading.

As we step into this intentional way of living, let's remember the foundation of our purpose - the love of Christ demonstrated through His death and resurrection. This is why we gather for communion, to remember His body broken for us and His blood spilled for our sake. It's from this place of being deeply loved that we can then go out and love others.

In the end, being "here on purpose" is about recognizing that our presence in our communities, workplaces, and homes is not accidental. God has placed us strategically to be living testimonies of His love and grace. As we engage purposefully, disciple intentionally, and pray fervently, we position ourselves to be used by God in powerful ways.

So let's embrace our purpose with joy and expectation. Let's be open to the adventures God has in store as we seek to reflect His love to those around us. After all, we're not just here - we're here on purpose.