Sermon On A Mission In Life

Vannevar Bush, an American engineer once remarked: "Science has a simple faith, which transcends utility. Nearly all men of science, all men of learning for that matter, and men of simple ways too, have it in some form and in some degree. It is the faith that it is the privilege of man to learn to understand, and that this is his mission. If we abandon that mission under stress we shall abandon it forever, for stress will not cease. Knowledge for the sake of understanding, not merely to prevail, that is the essence of our being. None can define its limits, or set its ultimate boundaries." Mark 16:15 reminds us: And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

A mission is defined as a particular assignment given to a person or group of people. It may include an important commission of an individual or organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the world and spread its faith.

For some, reading the Bible may appear a daunting task. Fear in lack of understanding may become a prominent issue in a person’s mind, as the Bible’s content and sometimes indeterminable terminology can be considered too complex and opaque. Romans 10:13-15 confirms: For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Some would maintain that the Bible is not complicated if discerned spiritually. However, issues by others, relating to the exact meanings in the science and terminology used, can cause them to refrain from reading the Bible in the hope of finding answers to specific problems or faith in life. Thus, the benefits that could be gained from the information provided may be effectively rejected. This is a sad loss of knowledge and a closer relationship with God.

There are many different Bible translations widely available to help with this particular problem. These can significantly ease the burden, through the provision of everyday language that simplifies the overall complexity and provides insight. Bible studies aimed at breaking down the books into more manageable segments, followed by in-depth discussions on specific texts may appreciably help in understanding and clarity. In addition, the use of well-written commentaries may substantially aid the basic concept of a particular passage. Psalm 12:6 reminds us: “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”

Memory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored and retrieved as required. It is the retention of information over a period of time and may influence future intended actions. Eckhart Tolle, a German-born spiritual teacher and author once remarked: “In the egoic state, your sense of self, your identity, is derived from your thinking mind - in other words, what your mind tells you about yourself: the storyline of you, the memories, the expectations, all the thoughts that go through your head continuously and the emotions that reflect those thoughts. All those things make up your sense of self.” Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

A good memory is considered a valuable commodity which, although enjoyed by many, unfortunately, is not endemic to all. For some, the ability to retain knowledge in a clear and perspicuous form remain dreams that are difficult to fulfill. This may be attributable to a particular lifestyle. One might hear the common words: “If only my mind was not so fuzzy.” Or, “I wish I had paid more attention to my teachers at school, because I regret my actions now.” These words may be uttered by those who rue the present-day complexities of life. However, all is not lost as a structure of association, assimilation and correlation may provide the answer.

In other configurations, long-term stress or a significant burden may also become attributable conditions accounting for the lack of proper memory function. This may be overcome with the help of prayer to God. Psalm 55:22 confirms: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition that features memory or thinking problems. It can adversely affect the lives of those who suffer from it. Poor memory or the lack of coordinated thinking is often attributable to age-related or other problematic diseases. However, this may not always be the case. Sometimes the brain may experience difficulty in understanding. Professional treatment, advice and support are widely available for conditions diagnosed as primarily medical but, other possibilities also exist to help in less severe cases not assigned to a specific disorder.