“Do you want to get well?” Jesus asked a man who had been ill for 38-years (John 5:6). After the man responds, Jesus continued, “Well, then, get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
My question for you today is not “Do you want to get well?”; it is “Do you want to grow?” Do you desire to take your faith to the next level, to grow deeper in the way and character of Christ? Like the man in the story, Jesus is not going to make you grow without your consent and cooperation.
Each of us needs to consider our own answer to this question. We need to take responsibility and make plans for our own spiritual growth. This fall at Decorah Covenant Church we are going to provide and encourage multiple opportunities for growth – but ultimately the avenues you pursue, or don’t pursue, are up to you. The opportunities are there, but you have to want and choose to grow.
So this is my challenge: If you feel the Spirit of God nudging you to follow Christ with greater intentionality this fall, don’t ignore the prompting. Take some initiative. Get involved with a home group (they’ll be starting the week of September 9th), connect with a men’s or women’s accountability or small group, attend our Sunday morning formation classes, or simply find a friend who you can meet and pray with regularly to help keep you on track. These are just a few possibilities.
Spiritual growth is not rocket science; but we are not meant to travel our journey of faith alone. We need both God and others to grow and flourish in life.
For some, being a part of a small group may be an intimidating thought that may really stretch you. For others, you’re ready for an even greater challenge. If you’re serious about experiencing God in a deeper, more intimate way this fall, send me an e-mail with “Grow” in the memo line to DCCoffice@gmail.com and I’ll share with you about an exciting 12-week discipleship opportunity that you can be a part of if you choose.
Pastor Matt
