Sisters and Brothers,
During the upcoming quarter, we continue our journey through Lent and into the season of Resurrection. It is a good time to take stock and see whether during the past weeks of Lent, we have paid sufficient attention to spiritual matters, enough to recognise that we are, in fact, growing as Christian disciples. It is never good enough to stay just as we are, to make no progress in our walk with Christ.
Maybe one significant truth we must consider is that we ought not walk alone. While each one of us is personally responsible for our Christian growth, it is an adventure that the Lord invites us to share in as we travel together in Christ. We do not walk alone. We have the Lord, and we have each other so that we are mutually enriched.
Do we make good use of the opportunities that are provided for Christian fellowship – genuine interaction with each other with a view to our growing together? What about our study of God’s Word together with each other? We are fortunate in that we have online Discipleship Classes. We can save on travel time and money. Why are so many of us absent from the meetings intended for study of God’s Word? When we meet to study the Bible, and ask faith questions, we truly build each other up as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).
Another important avenue for growth is faith sharing. As we tell our stories, we reinforce the benefits of our walk with Christ, and at the same time, encourage others in the faith.
As a circuit, we pledged to reach out to others with a view to inviting them to participate in the life of the church. While it is true that only the Holy Spirit convicts persons of their need to repent, to turn to the Lord, we can be instruments through whom God speaks to others.
Let us consider the message of Romans 10: 14-15
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! (NLT)
Of course, you do not have to bear the label of ‘preacher’ to share the news of God’s love. By simply sharing your story, how the Lord has worked in your life, you can help another person know that the Lord’s grace is also available to him/her. This is why each one of us can be an Andrew who invites others to share in the love that God freely offers to all persons. Participating in Operation Andrew, then, is another way of helping our own selves to grow in faith. We all need to grow. It is not good enough to stop growing spiritually for the one who does not grow is really turning back. Let us move forward together in Christ.
Yours in God’s service
Joan Delsol Meade, Pastor