Strong spirits: whose disciple are you?
God invites us into the most exciting, difficult, adventurous, meaningful life possible.
Like all other aspects of our lives, we are all on a continuum when it comes to faith in God- from no belief, to curious, to seeking, to believing, to following, to seeking to serve with him. And we are all on that continuum whether we know it or not. And be assured, God loves you, wherever you are on that continuum, and he's inviting each of us to take a step closer.
Many think that simply believing in him is the end of the story... It isn't. God intends for us to grow in our knowledge of him and in our relationship with him, and to join him in reaching out in love to a world that desperately needs him, and helping them to find and follow him, too.
He gave his followers this assignment just before he returned to heaven:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Jesus to his disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
He invites us into the most exciting, difficult, adventurous, meaningful life possible. The question is, will we accept that invitation? It all starts with belief.
Where are you on that continuum?
Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email so you don't miss any.
