What are your personal “so thats” as you live your life as a disciple of Jesus? What are your church’s “so thats” as it carries out it it’s many activities each day, each week, each month?
Why does “so that” matter?
My friend, Dr. Will Sohns, The Grove, TX taught me about this at retreat of the Texas District Staff a week ago.
In the New Testament, the phrase “so that” or “in order that” or just plain “that” appears 570 times. Each time it occurs it is called a ἵνα (English transliteration is a hína), a subordinating conjunction, which means “for the purpose that” or “in order that”, looking to the aim (intended result) of the verbal idea which was being expressed. How does that play out in the Mission of God as it expressed in the New Testament? Just looking at a few of these verses tells us quite a bit about God’s mission.
John 1:7-8 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. {8} He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
John 9:3, 39 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life… {39} Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
Luke 1:3-4 Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, {4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
John 17:13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
Romans 16:26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—
Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them {18} to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Each time a “so that” appears in the life and words of Jesus, it tells us that every action and word He spoke was purposeful and intentional. Everything was tied to God’s ultimate rescue mission for humankind, a rescue from sin, death and the devil. The “so thats” most often link to the mission of Jesus, His disciples and His church.
Through the mere passing of time, many believers and churches start programs, activities and groups. Many serve the mission of Jesus well. Some may not. If we put a “so that” after each program, activity or meeting that takes place in your congregation what would it tell us? I will be bold here. If the “so that” can clearly be linked to the mission of Jesus in the world, it’s probably a good one to continue. But if we find ourselves scratching our head and wondering what the real “so that” is, perhaps it’s time to discontinue the program, event, activity, meeting or group.
The time is short and the mission to share Jesus’ love with a dying world is urgent and important. We don’t have time to carry out programs for which a strong missional “so that” can’t’ be found. For me, this means taking a close look at how I spend my time, energy and resources. I need to make sure my “so thats” are clearly connected to the Great Commission. In areas where that is not true, I am asking God to continuously be about transforming me. What about your church? Have you looked at your “so thats” lately?
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