Rich Dixon helps us think about what to do.

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Concluding FREEDOM TOUR 2017, the team discussed “purpose.”

We read the story of Moses’ encounter with God speaking from a burning bush, focused on verses 10-11.

“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

God called Moses to a difficult journey. Our teammates talked about whether they felt “called” to the journey we were sharing. Not surprising – some experienced a definite sense of calling, others just enjoyed riding bikes.

I sensed that a few of the folks who didn’t feel a clear sense of calling felt somehow inferior. I think that’s regrettable, and I think it happens in other circumstances.

Have you encountered the notion that we ought to wait around for God’s clear direction before wading into service? Or folks feeling a bit less spiritual because God hasn’t spoken directly to them?

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To conclude, I asked if team members felt a sense of purpose. Sure enough, some verbalized a clear sense of why they were there. Others almost apologized for admitting they hadn’t thought about it.

As I processed this conversation later, I wondered if we’d missed the point.

“Burning bush” moments are great. But I’m not sure those encounters happen to everyone in every circumstance.

What if the calling is “Love your neighbor,” and Jesus cares less about where we do it than that we do it?

What if the purpose is the journey itself? The conversations and community and new friendships, the unanticipated roadside encounters.

What if, rather than waiting around for flaming shrubbery, we consistently sought ways to use the activities we enjoy – to love and serve?

What if we’re overthinking, and missing the point?