Reading
“We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”
Ephesians 4:14-16
Reflection
Yesterday, my daughters started 6th grade and Kindergarten. These are significant transitions in their lives, and our routines have been changing the last few weeks as a result. Our daughters are growing and maturing, and so our family rhythms are changing, too.
With the beginning of Kindergarten, we have a longer school day, and we drop off and pick up with the rest of the school instead of the separate Pre-K drop-off and pick-up. At middle school, we’ve done schedule walk-throughs, and our drop-off and pick-up routines are much different than in elementary school. Elsie is gaining independence, and she’s doing more on her own.
These new steps are good and healthy parts of growing up. There is a similar dynamic at work in our faith life. As we grow closer to God, we take new steps in our faith. We become less dependent on the things we used to rely on as we learn to depend only on God. We develop new rhythms and practices, and we let go of those that no longer serve us.
As we enter this new school year, what new step is God calling you to take? This is a great time to reflect on where God is inviting you to grow in your life. At Acts 2, one of the frameworks that helps us think about this is Worship Plus Two: weekly worship, a place to serve, and a place to learn. Perhaps God is inviting you to join a small group or take Disciple Bible Study. Maybe God is inviting you to deepen your service to others. Or God could be inviting you to deepen your commitment to regular worship.
Wherever you are, take a step this fall. For the next three Sundays, we’ll be preparing to help you do that at Find Your Place before and after worship. I’ll be there along with our staff and pastors to help you find the place God is inviting you to take your next step as we begin this new year together. The beginning of a new school year is a great time to take a step in faith toward God. I’m excited to walk with you.
Prayer
God of new beginnings,
You are ever beckoning us nearer to yourself,
Drawing us into union with you.
Show us the next step
You would have us take,
And help us to walk boldly in faith
Into a new beginning
As you lead us into your Kingdom.
In Christ we pray,
Amen.
