Going or growing? Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Maybe you’ve heard the saying: “God loves you just as you are…and too much to leave you there.” He takes us from going through the motions…to growing into the full stature of Christ. Since our annual meeting if February, we have been talking about what Growing together in Christ looks like when we gather to worship, get together to learn, offer our gifts of time, talent, and treasure, and venture out to serve. And as we continue to press in to 2022, I humbly ask for our continued faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to each other. Young and old, big and small, we all have an opportunity to grow and mature as we live into our faith in Christ. Sometimes this growth comes about through small shifts in our attitudes and perspectives on how we view our Christian walk. We shift from going to growing. We grow and mature in Christ as individuals and as a congregation: - as we shift from going to church to growing in our worship?
- as our point of view changes from going to a bible study to growing in our study of the scriptures
- as our understanding of giving and receiving transitions from going to get what we can out of church to growing in our giving for the growth of Gods kingdom
- as we see ourselves not simply going to serve, but growing in our service of others
These changes in attitude and shifts in perspective come about not out of religious obligation or duty or coercion. They are brought about by God’s love for us, our love for God, and the love we have for one another in the body of Christ. So, as we shift from going to growing, we give thanks that God who loves us so much has not left us as he found us but is transforming us into the likeness of his Son.
Blessings, Matthew+
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 225) |
