If you saw how much effort we put into celebrating special occasions (like our upcoming 3 year anniversary) at Elevation, you might think we’re a little silly.
We have multiple parties, worship services, and other activities planned around our anniversary this week, this weekend, and continuing on through the first part of next week-at a staff, volunteer, and church-wide level.
And at first glance, I can see how all this may seem like a misappropriation of energy and effort. After all, doesn’t a growing, thriving, mission-centric church have more important things to do?
I feel the same way sometimes when I read through all of the required feasts and festivals God prescribed for Israel in the Old Testament.
Didn’t they have more important things to do? Doesn’t the celebration and remembrance get a little excessive?
Apparently God didn’t think so. He commanded that His children commemorate His extravagant deliverance in an extravagant and intentional way.
The Pharisees found fault with the extravagant demonstration of appreciation initiated by a sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50.
Jesus commended her expression of love as appropriate and fitting…
“he who has been forgiven much loves much”.
It might not always be convenient-or efficient-to stop and make a big deal about the things God has done, but it’s Biblical and worthwhile.
When God changes a life in your church, make a big deal about it!
When someone on your team hits a grand slam, make a big deal about it!
When your one of your kids makes significant progress, make a big deal about it!
When we fail to celebrate what God did for us yesterday, on what grounds do we expect Him to bless us today?
