Unfulfilled/Fulfilled | Weekly Devotional | April 22

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,  

who, though he was in the form of God,    
did not regard equality with God    
as something to be exploited, 
but emptied himself,    
taking the form of a slave,    
being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,    
he humbled himself    
and became obedient to the point of death—    
even death on a cross.

-Philippians 2: 5-8

In this great hymn to Christ, the early church understood that Jesus gave up the self-centered, ego-centric self to be a servant of God.  So much has either seemed or been empty in the world around us.  Sporting venues, places of business and restaurants to name a few.  And most churches, along with ours have been empty, too.  We are doing our part to support life and the health and well-being of our members and friends.  But I’m not going to lie, it still seems very weird to conduct worship services in an empty sanctuary.  I truly miss seeing all of you!

As I said in our worship video this past Sunday, absence and presence (two seeming opposites) can actually hang together…by faith.  And…so can empty and filled, unfulfilled and fulfilled.  We have seen how empty things are and not just externally with so many places being closed, but also internally as many of our routines and normal activities have come to a screeching halt.  If you’ve been feeling a bit empty lately, you’re not alone.

I’d like to propose that this dynamic and tension we’re going through now is not new, but has simply been exacerbated and brought to light as a result of the pandemic.  To be human is to be both fulfilled and unfulfilled.  Can a single one us say that we have always been one way or the other – all the time?  Different times and circumstances bring different feelings.  And different parts of ourselves can even feel differently at the same time.  You may be fulfilled in one part of your life but not in another.  And just because there was a time when our lives were filled with all kinds of activities it doesn’t mean our lives were filled with meaning.  And just because our minds and hearts are filled with many things it doesn’t mean we always feel fulfilled in the deepest chambers of our souls.  

At times we live out the beauty of who we truly are and at other times, not so much.  At times we feel we are fulfilling our destiny and at other times not as much.

“At a time such as this, we are afforded the opportunity to slow down and remember who we are why we are here.”

At a time such as this, we are afforded the opportunity to slow down and remember who we are why we are here.  We can take the time to remember how much God cares for all of us and struggle with God’s hopes and dreams for us.  And maybe, just maybe – by the grace of God - we will feel more fulfilled in our unfulfillment.  And yes, this could well be a time for our own mini- resurrections as we blossom more and more into the beautiful people we are created to be.

And never forget the strange truth, your faith is founded on an empty tomb!

Wishing You Fulfillment and Easter Blessings,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister