Keep Going

 

Scripture is funny.   

What jumps out to one person may be completely overlooked by another and vice versa. 

While preparing for last Sunday’s sermon, 

Pastor Ann was immediately drawn to the words “do not be afraid.”

I, on the other hand, completely missed that phrase and was drawing in by the words  

“Provide for yourself purses that will not wear out.”

I thought about sustainability vs disposability, 

I thought of Hermione’s bag in Harry Potter, 

I thought of putting time and effort into things that last,

And I thought of Goonies. 

So I wrote my sermon around all of those things…

And I prayed that the sermon would speak to someone.

 

That someone was me. 

 

In the middle of delivering the message that God had lain on my heart, 

I found myself speaking directly to myself. 

My voice caught a little and tears starting forming in my eyes: 

 

“For most of Goonies,

They think the treasure is just gold.

But by the end of the story,

They realize the real treasure is their journey,

Their courage,

And the bond they share.

Mikey, the unlikely leader,

Says it best when he insists they keep going when they want to quit—

Not just for the gold, but for something bigger, something true.

 

Jesus tells us the same thing:

Keep going,

But not for something bigger,

Rather for something true.

If your treasure is stored in popularity, your heart will be anxious.
If it’s stored in money, your heart will be calculating.
If it’s stored in possessions, your heart will be comparing.
But if it’s stored in purpose,

in people,

in God’s kingdom—

your heart will be full, even in the face of fear.

 

Your heart follows whatever you’re carrying.
So pack wisely.

Because just like the Goonies,

We’re on a journey filled with challenges and choices

And the treasure we chase will shape who we become.”

 

I confess:

I’ve been focusing on the treasures of this world—

On money and respect—

And I have been anxious and frustrated by the lack thereof. 

I have considered giving up. 

I have considered quitting. 

But Jesus tells me to keep going,

Not for something bigger,

Rather for something true.

For transformed lives, 

For safety, 

For freedom, 

For love. 

 

Jesus tells you to keep going too. 

 

So may we, together, be a people who are able to keep going, 

Despite the odds, 

Whose lives make a difference, 

And whose purses last. 

 

Amen.