“Growth?”
The older I get, the more I realize the growth (or lack of) of things. For instance, the hair on my head does not grow as it used to. Yet, my waistline appears to have no problem growing (especially during the Holidays). My love for the outdoors continues to grow but my time spent indoors continues to grow as well. I was recently a bit puzzled by the question, “Have I grown more in love with Jesus the older I get?” As I pondered such a profound question, I remembered a bit of my journey in getting to know, and love, Jesus. When in high school, I was conversant with the routines and rituals of congregational life and the consistent love shown me by “Youth Group” leaders. As important as my relationships within “my” church were, I cannot remember a defining moment of knowing Jesus personally. Please know this is not a negative critique of my church but a critique of my life. I had a community but no personal commitment to Jesus Christ. I enjoyed the games and retreats that offered me fun, but I had no spiritual disciplines that nourished my spirit.
My life slowly began to change after “giving my life” to Jesus Christ at Jumonville as a summer staff member. I heard and believed the story of God’s love found in and through Jesus. I remember the Bible becoming alive when I read it and taught it to campers. I can still recollect the honest and meaningful worship services where I felt the power of the Holy Spirit. Now that I am older, the memories of my time as a summer camp counselor become fewer. Yet, I continue to grow in the story of God’s love. Through God’s grace, I spend every morning in Scripture reading, silence, and prayer. Many times, I look at an icon called the “Good Shepherd” and gaze at Jesus holding a sheep across his shoulders and the sheep is at rest. I do not know if I, or we, can grow more in love with Jesus Christ. I prefer to think that we can grow more into his love for us, the more we enter the story of God’s love. Anne Ashley Community Church will be offering multiple “Grow Groups” this fall to moves us deeper into the story of God’s love. The question I have for you is, “Are you ready to grow?”
Pastor Keith