First Church of God

Sorry I have been out of commission for a while.  I have been out of town and just a bit "crazy busy"!  Life is funny that way...some days are slow and others filled to the brim and running over with busyness.  Taking the time to go visit with friends this weekend was a much needed thing!  I am always amazed at how it refreshes me to spend time just sharing a few moments with close friends! I am also amazed  at how quickly time goes by and our kids grow up. 

This weekend while on my visit I spent time with friends I have known for about 12 years, and seeing their kids on this visit was unreal.  They are all growing up so fast.  On Sunday night, I went to a youth group service to hear my friend Tammy's son, Andrew speak.  Her youngest son Ethan played bass in the band that night, as well. Anyway, I sat there listening to Andrew thinking about how life changes, and how life changes us!  Ethan and Andrew both did an amazing job.  They have grown into godly young men that love the Lord, and enjoy serving Him!  They are both gifted in different areas and have matured in those areas. Young people are being greatly affected by their service.

(Jacob, Caleb, Ethan, and Andrew!)

Thinking about the maturity that has taken place in the lives of my friend's children made me wonder about my own spiritual maturity.  What am I doing to mature in my walk with the Lord?  Is life changing me...or am I changing lives?  My prayer is that I will always strive to learn more about the Lord, apply that knowledge to my life, and that in turn I will continually "grow up" in the Lord.  Part of this growth in the Lord should be evidenced  in the time I spend in service to others.  All of us have a job to do in this world, and all of us CAN change a life.  I guess the question that remains is HOW are we changing lives? 

We can probably all look back on our lives and wish that we could change some things that we have done, things we have said, and hurt we have caused.  But, knowing that we cannot change the past we look to today, tomorrow, and everyday after. Are we a positive force, a negative force, or no force at all in the lives of others?  Is my spiritual maturity as evident as the physical growth in my children?  Am I really changed by the presence of God in my life?  Do I allow Him to affect my life on a grand enough scale that it translates in my relationships with others? 

I believe I still have room to grow.  I think there are times that my mouth gets ahead of good judgment, my heart gets confused by my ego, and my mind goes totally off the reservation.  There are moments when I really just want to run and hide because what I have just done was way outside the realm of what I believe a spiritually maturing woman would do.  But, I must remember that spiritual growth is a process.  This is not an excuse but simply a fact that I must recognize so as not to get discouraged. There may be times when apologies are necessary,  repentance is a must, and a teachable spirit is not only needed it is the only means by which growth will take place. 

I hope that we are all on the road that leads to growth. Take an honest look at your life, as I am mine.  Ask the Lord to bless you with clarity, and enable you to see where you need to grow.  Remember, we are all in this together.  Nobody is perfect, and if they think they are then there is a problem.  You better believe that the first sign of immaturity is the belief in personal perfection. God has a plan for us all, and realizing our imperfection is the first step toward growth!  So, here's to "growing up"!