"How are you doing?" "Tired."

"Want to go with us?" "I'm sorry, too tired."

"I'll do it later, I'm too tired right now."

Duh. People are tired, So what?

Some of my faith journey's greatest challenges (and perhaps yours) come from the lexicon of the church's finest expressions. Commitment, purpose, faithfulness, servanthood, etc. flow from the tongues of believers with ease. Giving is down- we need more commitment. Attendance is sagging- we need you to be faithful. And the BIG ONE- purpose.

The pursuit of purpose is a great motivator, a tremendous rallying point for fellow Christians to mutually find their place in the world. Out of that pursuit of purpose comes the desire and energy to press forth and faithfully fulfill that purpose. Books have been written to show us how to do that!

So...

The backside of the relentless pursuit of purpose seems to me to be the oftentimes huge burden that "oughtness" brings into play. "Aught" replaces "desire" and "should" becomes the order of the day. The unending chase of purpose can ream the spiritual energy even out of the most "committed." It just seems to be so ironic, and so sad, that some of the most tired among us are those who lapped "do not become weary in well-doing" a long time ago...shells of faithfulness, committed to the newest ministry innovation, and burdened by their new purpose.

I am reflecting on the liberating power of a purpose that begins and ends in Christ. A purpose that looks more like a novel that a "how to" book. A purpose whose fresh fruit is freedom. Now that's a burden I can stake my life on.

I am more tired than I thought I was! How about you?

Selah.