Have you ever wondered what it truly means to live an abundant life? Beyond just existing day to day, there's something more that God has designed for each of us. Today we'll explore how God uses ordinary people as building blocks in His extraordinary plan.

In Scripture, there are two Greek words for life that reveal something profound about God's intentions for us. The first word is "bios" (where we get "biology"), which refers to basic existence - the kind of life that every person, animal, and plant has. But there's another word: "zoe." When Jesus said, "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I came that you might have life and have it abundantly," He used the word "zoe." This isn't just existence - it's abundant, flourishing life that goes far beyond mere survival. 

God has a plan. When building anything significant, you start with an architect before you ever talk to a builder. Imagine trying to build a house by just starting construction and asking random strangers for their opinions along the way. You could end up with three kitchens and no bathroom!

The same is true for our lives. We don't build our lives on the opinions of people. Our best life is built according to God's plan. When Peter writes about "living stones" in 1 Peter 2:4-10, he's drawing from the imagery of Solomon's temple - a magnificent structure built stone by stone according to God's precise specifications. Peter identifies Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, the first stone laid that determines the alignment and direction of every other stone.

As living stones, we don't look to culture to find our alignment; we look to Jesus. Culture is where we build the church, but culture is not how we build the church. Christ is our cornerstone, not the changing opinions of the world around us. He is the one we align our lives with.

Nothing is more lifeless than a stone - it's completely dead and dormant. Yet this is the powerful imagery Peter uses to describe our transformation. When we come to Christ, we go from being dead stones to living stones through the power of the Holy Spirit. God specializes in taking what appears lifeless and breathing new life into it. This transformation isn't just about becoming a better version of ourselves - it's about becoming completely new creations in Christ Jesus.

This personal transformation is amazing but here's a key truth: we're saved individually, but we're called corporately. We have personal salvation, but that salvation comes with a corporate calling to be part of something greater than ourselves - the church of Jesus Christ. 

In the New Testament, we find that every believer is called to be a priest unto God. This changes everything about how we view our role in the church:

• We're no longer just supporters of ministry - we are the substance

• We're not consumers of ministry - we're contributors 

• We're not spectators - we're partners

• When we serve, it's not just volunteering - it's ministry to the Lord Jesus Christ

• When we give, it's not just a charitable donation - it's an offering with a sweet aroma to God. No one can give your gift.

• When we worship, God wants to hear your unique song of redemption. No one can bring your worship except you.

Every diaper changed in children's ministry is ministry to Jesus. Every car parked is making room for someone in eternity. Every person guided to a seat is being positioned to encounter the life-changing power of Christ. Everything we do together becomes a spiritual sacrifice offered to God.

Stop searching and start serving. Many people exhaust themselves looking for their purpose through achievements, experiences, relationships, or recognition. But here's the truth: you're not looking for a purpose - you are a purpose.

Jesus didn't leave heaven so you would have to go find your purpose. He came to find YOU. The purpose of your life isn't an individual pursuit - it's to be part of something greater than yourself as a building block in God's house.

In 1 Kings 6:7, we learn that when Solomon's temple was built, the stones were prepared at the quarry so perfectly that no hammers or tools were needed at the construction site. Each stone was already exactly what it needed to be for its specific place.

The same is true for you. God knew exactly who you were when He created you. When He saved you, He gifted, called, and anointed you with everything needed to perfectly fit in His house. If you will be found faithful, there is fruitfulness in God’s house. Whether it's joining a ministry team, volunteering in children's ministry, helping with setup, or greeting newcomers, choose to be planted in God’s house. When you do this consistently, purpose doesn't just find you - it runs over you like a freight train.

Your life is being transformed to be a testimony of the goodness of God. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God, when you receive Jesus, you are brought to life but it doesn't stop there. You are then built up to be offered up and led into the abundant life God promised.