The Goings on and Work of Sam Mahlstadt

You read books like UnChristian, and you read magazines like Relevant and you listen to preachers like Rob Bell or Mark Batterson, and you get this sense like we are on the right track. Like we are a part of a movement that is more about what we stand for than what we stand against, and that we really truly care for and about people. You get this sense that maybe we have began to steer the bug ugly ship of Christianity back on the course that Jesus intended when he created the church a couple thousand years ago. But then you hear people who are fanatically defensive and completely delusional in their outlook on other human beings (enter the Obama/Warren commentators), and you wonder. Are we making a difference? Are we making Christ famous or just out clanging cymbals and making noise for our cause? I know that there is hope, because hope was the central message of Jesus’ life. And I know there is a brighter day on the horizon, because Jesus promises a brighter day, he reminds us that we can be a part of that brighter day. It is tough to tune out the talking heads who misrepresent Jesus everyday, but I know that it is my job to do what I am supposed to do, where I am supposed to do it, and continue to love God and love people. That gives me hope.

On the sixth day, man created God in his own image. Now it’s up to us to figure it all out. Right… wrong…good…evil. In each of us is the capacity to decide what drives our actions. So what is it that makes some choose selflessness–the need to devote one self to something greater–while others know only self-interest, isolating themselves in a world of their own making? Some seek love even if requieted, while others are driven by fear and betrayal. There are those who see their choices as dark proof of God’s absence, while others follow a path of noble destiny. But in the end, good, evil, right or wrong, what we choose is never what we really need. For that is the ultimate cosmic joke…the real gift that God has left behind.

Pretty good, huh? This seems like it could be an opening to a sermon about choices. It would tie well into a message centered around our disillusion that things can bring us fulfillment, and that true fulfillment is only found in an intimate relationship with God. It would work well, but that’s not where it came from. It came from the opening of one of the most popular TV shows in our country, Heroes. I found this on Tim Stevens’ blog, very interesting. Another example of how our society is asking the right questions and longing for answers.

I have this game on my phone called Tangram Pro, and I love it. I am horrible at puzzles, but I love the challenge of this game. Most people could probably fly through the puzzles, but I am forced to make several attempts before I can solve the puzzles. The game shows you a pattern, and then gives you seven pieces to arrange to fill in the pattern. The pieces are different shapes and sizes, and each fit in several different places. The only way to solve the puzzle, however, is to get each piece where it fits that allows all the other pieces to fit in place.
Hmmm…it seems a lot like the body of Christ (Romans 12:4). We can all step into certain roles, and leaders can place people in certain roles to fill a need, but sometimes that’s not the answer. There are times when someone will step into a role that may seem fine, but in reality it is keeping someone else out who belongs in that role. Many times, we seek out what is the most comfortable or the most logical situations in life, but they aren’t ultimately right for us.
As is the case in Tangram Pro, what may seem to be a fit in one place may need to be moved and rotated, and swapped with another piece.
We are all pieces in one puzzle, it is our job to find our place.

I was given the opportunity to speak at 63rd and Park last night, and I had the time of my life. I had a message that was burning inside me, and it was great to be able to share with our community. I am so grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to be trained up by the greatest pastor I have ever known. It is awesome to see the level of trust, that I would be granted the opportunity to step into the pulpit that is anchored by some incredible speakers on staff at Cornerstone, and lead by our senior pastor. It was a little intimidating, not gonna lie, but once I got into my message, I got that feeling like “you are right where I need you” which alleviates all apprehension. I am still excited now, just writing about it! I featured my preaching debut on the blog, so I will follow suit and post the message soon.

Here is the link to the Simon Says video. Enjoy.