The Hallgrímskirkja & Its Elevator

I just got back from a vacation in Iceland.

Sound weird? I think it probably does… but we loved it.

One of my favorite pictures from our trip is of the Hallgrímskirkja.

Huh? The what?

Yeah, Icelandic words are difficult (and that one is actually pretty small and easy compared to others).

Anyway, the Hallgrímskirkja is a church.

It’s the most iconic, recognizable building in Reykjavík—the capital city of Iceland.

And it’s one of those places “you just have to visit” when you’re there.

The architecture is unique. The building definitely stands out in the city—it captures your attention.

For about $4.00 you can take the elevator up to the 20th floor of its tower and enjoy the incredible views of downtown Reykjavík.

What I’ve just described to you… that’s what this church, the Hallgrímskirkja, is known for.

Look it up on Wikipedia. There’s no discussion about ministry or outreach or children or young people.

When you’re in Iceland and you hear people describe the Hallgrímskirkja, you get the sense that its $4.00 elevator to a scenic view is what it’s all about.

Paul the Apostle, writing to the Ephesians, said, “I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” (Ephesians 4.1 NLT)

Somehow, I doubt the Hallgrímskirkja’s calling or purpose was really to provide an elevator service for scenic views.

But the church is still there. It exists. It’s open for business. And money comes in every day.

People know about it—not for its calling or purpose—but for something else.

This can happen in our lives too.

We can be present. Existing. Functioning. Taking in money.

People might even know about us—not for our calling or purpose—but for something else.

This is why Paul begged…

“Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”

It’s about more than being present, existing, functioning, and taking in money.

It’s about purpose and calling—God’s design and plan for our lives.

Don’t be like the Hallgrímskirkja and its elevator.

Live for something more.

You are blessed with purpose!

Lead a life worthy of your calling—for you have been called by God.