Lent 2023 - From the Inside Out

March 22, 2023

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

Hoping this note finds you safe and well. If you are in California, I hope you are dry! Lord knows we have needed the rain, but these "atmospheric rivers" are something altogether different. LOL! Our journey continues - last week, the challenge was self-examination. I promised I would share the question that gripped me most. All of the questions were cause for necessary reflection but there was one that echoed in my mind all week. WHAT ARE THE MOTIVES THAT ORDER YOUR DAYS?

The American Psychological Association defines motive as, "the impetus (force/energy) that gives purpose or direction to human behavior and operates at a conscious or unconscious level." The Association further notes that a distinction must be drawn between internal and external forces that can impact our motives. Based on this understanding, I pondered what is the force that directs what I do and how I do it daily? The absolute truth of the matter is most days, that force is external. The ever-growing to-do list; the abundance of emails; deadlines; messages, expectations; needs, presentations and this is all before I ever encounter people. So much of what orders my days could probably be summed up in one word: PERFORMANCE…getting things done!

While there is nothing inherently wrong with pursuit, productivity, goals and achievement, it can be deceptive. Living in a performance driven world can color our motives and our service. We perfect the art of "doing" Christianity often forgetting what "being" a Christian means. It reminds me of a most sobering passage of scripture. Jesus says,

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we force out demons and do many miracles by the power and authority of your name? Then I will tell them publicly, ‘I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you evil people.’ Matthew 7:22-23 GWT

It is possible to do Christian things and still not know or be known by God. This is why we must pause and be intentional in accepting the invitation to CENTER DOWN. Spiritual disciplines ground us in our call to be like Jesus in character, word and deed. It reminds us that this Christian life must be lived from the inside - out! When we endeavor to be like Jesus, then the motives that order our days become internal and crystal clear: And whatever you do, in word and deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him!

Centering Down,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Senior Pastor