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2/16/2011 3:56 PM 

 Only half of it worked.  The front half was functioning perfectly.  The back half wasn’t—and it was dangerous.  A gas fireplace that is only lit on half of the burner can be very deadly.  While the fire burns in the one section it consumes the natural gas.  In our fireplace, the half that wasn’t working continues to push out natural gas—but never ignited.  It still functioned—our basement stayed warm—but it wasn’t working as it was created to work.

            Do you feel like you are living your life only half way?  Sometimes—a lot here lately—I kind of feel like that fireplace.  I know that I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing.  And I know I am where I am supposed to be—but it feels like I’m running on half.  I sense within me a divine spark.  A Sense that the Lord has knit into my DNA a need to create, contribute, or do something that has a lasting impact.  Maybe it’s my y chromosome.  But lately I’ve got an unquenchable urge—a holy discontent—that has me wanting to do something.  I feel like I’m on the right track, but I’m not living into God’s fullest picture for me.  I feel a powerful sense and drawing towards purpose and trying to make and create meaning in my life and in the lives of those around me.

            Are you going through the motions in life?  Do you sense a Divine Spark—and urging forward?  Is there something missing, a calling that you can’t pinpoint?  Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the fullest.”   I don’t believe this means that Jesus is a divine Santa Clause.  That somehow if we wish for it and we are on our best behavior, Jesus will give us everything we want.  That isn’t how life or faith works.

            I believe this verse to be a calling to life that calls us into meaningful and purposeful living.  When we open our hearts to the Lord He grabs hold and doesn’t let go.  He challenges us forward and thrusts us into meaningful life. With Christ we have our marching orders—we have our mission objectives.  Christ clarifies for us what we are supposed to do.  He says it in a number of ways.  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…and love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Matthew 22:37-39) “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)  Life is about being on a journey with the Lord and encouraging others to join the faith trail.

            The “what” of life becomes clear with Christ.   These are the things we are called to and towards: loving through action and encouraging others on the journey of faith.  The “how” is what is different for each of us—and I think this is where the Divine spark resides, waiting to be realized.  How is Christ calling you into the fullest life for you?  How are you being called out of purposeless living and into purpose-full life?  How are you making a difference in the lives of those around you?  How are you having an impact on the kingdom of God?

            God is calling each of us to something more.  He desires for us to be fully alive, fully burning, and fully engaged in work for His kingdom.  The beauty of this is that he calls each of us to this differently.  He has put within each of us different passions and skill sets.  Our challenge is to uncover our passions, unpack our skills and find ways to use these tool sets for His kingdom.   So, what are your passions?  What brings life to your day and makes your heart beat fully and completely?  These aren’t rhetorical questions—I think they become key in finding our divine spark.    

Copyright ©2011 Pastor Scott M. Ness

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