We're at a pivotal moment in our journey together as a community. Today, I want to talk about something that's fundamental to who we are and where we're going – the difference between consumers and founders.
In Ezra 3:10-13, we read about a powerful moment of transition in Israel's history. The people were rebuilding the temple after 70 years of exile. As they laid the new foundation, something fascinating happened:
"When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord... all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads who had seen the former temple wept out loud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping."
Two completely different reactions to the same moment. Some wept for what was lost, while others rejoiced for what was being built.
This passage teaches us a profound truth that applies to our community today: We learn from the past, but we do not live there.
When builders lay a foundation, it tells you everything about what they're going to build. The same is true in our lives:
"The foundation of your character is the material from which you will build your future. The shape of your character is the shape of your future."
What foundation are you laying with your resources, your generosity, and your priorities? Are you building a life centered around consuming or creating?
There's a profound shift that happens in our spiritual journey. We all start as consumers – people who come to receive. And that's okay! If you're here today just trying to figure things out, just know we're here for you.
But there comes a turning point where God invites us to become founders – people who give their lives for the good of others.
"If everything in your life is for you, you're not a founder. But if you actually give your life for the good of others, you become a founder."
God's entire journey for each of us is to move us from being consumers to being investors – people who use their resources to create a future for people they haven't yet met.
Have you noticed that wealthy people often create foundations? These foundations aren't focused on the present but on the future. They're vehicles for leaving a legacy and bettering the human condition.
But you don't need to be wealthy to be a founder. Some of you started giving when you were barely paying your bills. Your $18 a month might not have changed the world, but it changed you. You became a founder in that moment.
<aside> When you decide to become a founder, you decide to use all that you are – your gifts, talents, intelligence, passions, experience, and resources – to create a future for people you haven't yet met.