Sermon Series Blog: Made for MORE Pt.2 Finding Purpose Beyond the Checklist
Finding Purpose Beyond the Checklist
We are into week two of our series, "MORE." Last week, we reflected on a powerful message inspired by
He must increase, I must decrease.
John 3:30
It was a reminder that in our walk with Christ, we need more of God in our lives and less of ourselves. But what does that really look like? It goes beyond checking off boxes of religious duties and moves into a deeper understanding of our purpose in God's kingdom.
The Checklist Mentality: Are We Missing the Point?
In our culture—especially in Christian circles—it's easy to fall into a routine. We read the Bible, go to church, give our offering, and feel pretty good about the week. It's almost like we’ve completed a spiritual to-do list. We think, "God should be pleased with me. I’ve done my part."
But here’s the question: What kind of relationship is that?
Imagine if you treated your marriage the same way. You split the to-do list with your spouse, and once your tasks are complete, you feel like you’ve done enough. There’s no desire to spend time with them, support them, or love them beyond the list of chores. Wouldn’t that feel hollow?
In the same way, our relationship with God is not a series of tasks to be completed but a love story that should grow and deepen. We aren’t just checking off boxes—we are called to seek more of Him, to desire more of His presence, and to live lives that reflect His love.
Point 1: Made for More Than Worry
One of the things that keeps us from experiencing "more" in our lives is worry. We worry about everything—what people think of us, our careers, our families, and even little things like whether we unplugged the curling iron.
But Jesus speaks to this in Luke 12:22-31, telling us not to worry about life, food, or clothes because life is more than these things. He points out that God takes care of the birds and the flowers—how much more valuable are we?
When we worry, we are forgetting the most important part of our identity: We are made for more. We are called to seek His kingdom first, trusting that God will provide for all our needs. This doesn’t mean we won’t face challenges, but it means we face them knowing we are empowered by the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
Point 2: Called for More
The world tells us we can be anything we want, and success is measured by how much we have—more money, more status, more things. But scripture tells us something different. Ephesians 1:18-21 reminds us that we are called for more than what this world offers. We are called to know God more deeply, to walk in His incomparably great power.
As Christians, we often fall into the trap of focusing on our shortcomings—our lack of purity or our failure to live up to certain standards. But remember, God calls us to more, not in our own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is kingdom power, greater than any authority on earth. And we are called to use that power to love others, to stand boldly for truth, and to share the hope we have in Christ.
Fearful or Faithful:
There’s a growing tendency in our culture to shy away from sharing the gospel. We don’t want to offend anyone, so we stay quiet. We’ve convinced ourselves that it’s more loving to let people live as they wish rather than confront them with the truth. But the gospel is inherently counter-cultural. The world says we can identify as anything we want, but scripture says our true identity is found in Christ alone.
It’s not about beating people over the head with the Bible. It's about loving them enough to speak the truth in love. When someone is hurting or going through a crisis, don’t shy away from offering to pray for them. Don’t hesitate to share that the God who created the universe loves them and knows them by name. We are called to be bold in our faith, but in a way that reflects Christ's love and grace.
Conclusion: We Are Made for More
We are called to step out of fear and into boldness. We are made for more than checking off a spiritual to-do list, more than worrying about things we can't control, and more than hiding our faith in fear of offending others. God has a greater purpose for us—to be a light in the world, to share His love, and to live lives that reflect the power and hope of the gospel.
Let our heartbeat be for more of God in our lives, for we are made to reach those searching for peace, hope, and joy. It’s only through the power of God that we will see more people come to know Him.
