Growing in Christ
It is only 10 weeks after the craziness of quarantine began, and I am already beginning to look back on that time with a nostalgic desire to return to the simplicity of – “No, girl! You are stuck at home. You cannot run out for a minute and "fill in the blank!”
My days are still mostly at home. Our family is still “working” under the same roof – Steve downstairs, me upstairs, and Sawyer in her room. We are still avoiding the grocery store.
Yet, I can feel the rumblings of change ahead.
Outside my proverbial window, I see change ahead as well. Change that is overdue. Change that may cause anxiety. Change that may cause relief or fear. Changes personally, professionally and nationally.
And when the rumblings of change ahead begin to impact my emotions, I must run to scripture for the stability that can sustain and calm me.
God’s word reminds me that my all is to be focused on His kingdom. Matthew 6:19-21 says,
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The kingdom of heaven is what Jesus was about, what he came to proclaim, where the captive finds freedom. This is where unchanging purpose is found. No matter my feelings, when I focus on the kingdom of heaven, I have more clarity on what my decision should be, how I treat others, and where to spend my time. The kingdom of heaven guides us in how to INVEST time, talent and treasure in the best way possible.
As the University Baptist Church body, we are united by the prayer for the power of God to be unleashed in our lives, our church, our community, and our world so that every tongue, tribe, and nation may come to know and proclaim the saving work of Jesus Christ. We are united by the focus, not by programs, activities or gatherings.
Our church, our community, our world is changed when we pray this prayer above, when we set our priorities with this as our guide, and when we allow God to have everything we hold (whether loosely or tightly) with the joyful hope that others will know and proclaim true life in Christ.
I am sharing this for more than a nice story. I want to challenge you:
- Are you praying this prayer daily? What would it take for you to begin doing so?
- How are you proclaiming the Kingdom of God where He has placed you?
- Who are you praying to know and proclaim the saving work of Jesus Christ?
- How can I pray with you?
Just as I am not to live like I did back on March 23, 2020, I am also not to walk as a believer like I did on March 23, 2020. I should be growing, vibrant and alive in Christ. I grow as a disciple when I do what Jesus did (and told us to do – think Great Commission, Great Commandment). I grow as a disciple when I love Jesus and others so much that the heartbeat of my life is to proclaim the kingdom of God with the prayer and purpose that others will come to know and proclaim the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Pray for me to grow, and I will pray for you, too!
Humbly,
Caroline
2 Comments
Thank you my friend for this reminder and challenge to grow and pray. I am praying for you along with the other staff.
I too am praying for our staff and all of our church family, as well as our community, and entire country. God IS in control which allows our fears to dissipate. We must be patient, prayerful, and listen for His voice... and spread His love.