Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.

— Colossians 3:23 TPT

As I marveled at the creativity and handiwork of an Orthodox Church located in the heart of Skopje, Macedonia, I didn’t expect to be confused on what to feel. There was so much going on, so much “beauty” that it almost distracted attention from the face of The Beautiful One who was supposed to be worshiped there. From the outside this place seemed holy – intricate portraits of Biblical figures, modern day saints, angels, all of creation – but lost in this extravagance was the focus on Christ. Ornate details and colors adorned the inside of this building, every inch from top to bottom was covered and fashion a particular way.

And as pretty as it all was, it still seemed lackluster.

The spirit of religion was undoubtedly in that place, it could not be ignored. Now, I do not want to discount that people have most certainly met Jesus there. That people have been brought to their knees in repentance and saved by grace through faith inside those walls. But, the overall feeling I got inside that building made me think –

What is the motivation for our actions?

Why do we do what we do?

For whom do we do it?

We live in a society that has elevated the “self” to a level that is quite frankly, ungodly. Yet at the same time, we still care wildly too much about how others perceive us.
We are stuck between two false ways of thinking:

Fulfillment and motivation comes from my individuality.

AND

Fulfillment and motivation comes from others accepting me, as is.

Both of these ideals manifested themselves inside of this church. It felt like much of the design and creating was not done with a heart of worship, but with a heart that was striving to impress the artist themselves and the rest of humanity.

The ideas of self-love, self-care, and acceptance are moving people away from thinking outside of themselves. It’s so arrogant to think we are only living for ourselves and so tiring to try and win everyone’s approval! What a deeper fulfillment we have when the love and care is projected out to the world around us with living for Jesus as our fulfillment and motivation instead. God doesn’t want (let alone need), us to make complex and awe-inspiring things in a fleshly attempt to draw others to Him. But when we live our every moment for His glory, the extravagance of His heart is naturally drawn out of us for public display.

If we could even take one moment per day and evaluate our motives asking “Why?”, it might start a habit, a habit that could tip the scale towards looking at more than moments, but the fullness of our lives. Oh how we could change things if we regularly recenter ourselves on the fact that we are only living for Jesus – not ourselves, not others.

In case you haven’t heard these words lately, here them now: the pressure is off, just focus on loving Him.

Did you hear that? The pressure is off.

This whole life thing – it’s supposed to be about Him. Not for you, and not them.

Life Update: I have been back home for about 10 days.
Because of all the mess and uncertainty related to COVID-19, out of discernment and wisdom, the decision was made that I would have to come home early. Though it was cut short, I had a beautiful time in Macedonia. Many memories and connections were made that will last a lifetime. I will be back – sooner than later – because now a family on the other side of the world has part of my heart, I must go back to reunite with it.
Now that most regions across the PNW are in quarantine, I am working from home, turning into church from home, and using tech to reconnect with my community. Since returning, it’s been difficult not to be with my people, but it will make the times after this sweeter all the more.

I can’t wait to be allowed hug you all again!
Soon. Jesus, let it be soon.
xoxo, Rach

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