FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Life is both journey AND destination.

History is moving to a climax. Your life and mine are headed for eternity.  We are about more than just a destination, the journey is vital as well.  Jesus’ desire for us is that we grow closer and closer to him and to each other on the journey.

“To journey without being changed is to be a nomad.
To change without journeying is to be a chameleon.
To journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim.”
--Mark Nepo, in The Exquisite Risk

We hope to be pilgrims.  As we walk with Jesus we are following the pattern of his earliest disciples.  Jesus appointed twelve … that they might be with him.”  Mark 3:14  They were with Jesus for those short years learning to become the first ones in an ongoing series of persons who dedicate themselves to Know Christ - Love Christ – Grow in Christ – Serve Christ – Share Christ with others.  We want to follow in that same way.

The Purpose Driven Network Summit was held at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California in May.  Beth Crago, our Church Council Chairperson and I attended along with three folks from the Charter Oak UMC in Greensburg.  At that conference Rick Warren spoke about spiritual growth.  Some of what he shared has challenged my thinking.  One of the presentations dealt with 8 Laws of Spiritual Growth that I want to share with you.

  1. Spiritual Growth is INCARNATIONAL. 

Our goal is more than imitation of Christ.  The goal of our walk of discipleship is inhabitation…Christ in us the hope of glory.

  1. Spiritual Growth is INTENTIONAL. 

Many people think that spiritual growth is automatic.  That is a myth.  The truth is that you can grow old without growing up.  Perhaps you can think of people whose paths have crossed yours who never matured in many of their dealings.  They never learned to maturely handle their finances, their relationships, their employment, and their children.  I knew a man who went through job after job after job.  He was very smart and talented in a variety of ways, but he just didn’t stay at a job for very long.  I discovered that he had never learned to restrain his tongue.  If it came into his head, it came out of his mouth.  That is not maturity, and it cost him dearly over the years.

  1. Spiritual Growth is INCREMENTAL. 

We live in a microwave society where we want, demand, and expect instantaneous results.  Spiritual growth is not instantaneous, it takes place over time.  The reality is that we grow through a step-by-step process of making and keeping progressively deeper commitments.

  1. Spiritual Growth is PERSONAL.

No two disciples grow in the same manner.  God has shaped and formed us differently.  The goal of your growth in grace is different than that God has for anyone else.  Jesus never produced “cookie-cutter” disciples.  He drew out the best that God had placed in each one.

  1. Spiritual Growth is HABITUAL.

We grow by developing good habits.  This is not “earned,” but grown in us by the power of the Holy Spirit as we habitually yield ourselves to the will of the Spirit.  As we have a daily quiet time, the Lord more and more becomes part of our daily lives…our thoughts, attitudes, actions, words.

  1. Spiritual Growth is RELATIONAL.

We cannot grow into the people God wants us to be on our own.  Truly, “No man is an island” (or woman either).  God’s intention is that we grow in community with each other.

  1. Spiritual Growth is MULTI-DIMENSIONAL.

Our growth is not only measured by how much of the Bible we know and understand.  While Bible study is essential, it is not the sole means of our growth.  We need fellowship, discipleship, worship (public and private), ministry and mission to mature.

  1. Spiritual Growth is SEASONAL.

There are particular times when our hearts and minds are more open to the moving of the Holy Spirit.  During those times we may make larger strides in our growth that need to be solidified in our lives before we can take the next steps that God has for us.

God wants us to grow as individuals and as a congregational family.  I believe if I can help each of us grow closer to Christ, then as we live out the plan God has for us, more and more persons will be drawn into a life changing relationship with Jesus.  More physical, relational, emotional, and spiritual needs will be met through our ministry together and God will be glorified.

 “Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”    Matthew 7:17-20   “My true disciples produce much fruit.  This brings great glory to my Father.”  John 15:8  (NLT)

Remember:  Live each day as if it were your first.  Live each day as if it were your last.

Always all for Him,

Pastor Chris