A phrase came to my mind recently, "the end is the beginning." There seems to be a simple, yet powerful, truth in this phrase. When we come to the end of something the beginning of something new is right there. Sometimes the new thing we’re looking for can only come when the old thing has ended. A pinecone falls from the tree and dies, decays, withers, and then a new bud will break forth; then a new tree will take root. Often an addict will have to hit bottom; come to the end of their rope; before they can begin to think and behave in new ways. And Jesus tells us that we must die to ourselves before we can truly experience the new life He has for us. The end is the beginning.
As we end 2009 and begin 2010 we can experience the new life Jesus offers. We can grow in Christ in ways we never dreamed possible. We can enter a life of amazing possibilities. We can see the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. As we die to self and live for Christ we turn reality upside down and inside out; and we begin to live as God intended when He created us in the first place.
To end our old ways and begin in God’s new ways requires a real commitment. Jesus never said it would be easy; the really important things never are. This year, instead of volunteering at the church: make a commitment Jesus. This year, instead of asking ‘how am I being fed?’ ask, ‘who am I feeding?” This year, instead of asking ‘how will this make my life better?’ ask, ‘how can my life make others better?’ The end is the beginning.
If this is all new to you, then I suggest you start with these three commitments: worship, small groups, service. Make a commitment this year to be in worship every week. There is no substitute for corporate worship. There is something compelling and mysterious that happens when we worship with one another: we experience the risen Christ in ways we simply can’t by ourselves. Make a commitment to be in a small group this year. We are not meant to go through this life by ourselves; we need each other. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” So join a Sunday School class, a midweek Bible Study, the West Campus D-Team, a prayer group; we have many opportunities to join a small group at St. Stephen West. Finally, make a commitment to serve. Go on a mission trip: Mexico in February or Kenya in July. Help serve a meal at Another Chance House. Teach in the Youth or Children’s ministry. Find a place to serve!
The end is the beginning!
Rich
Posted on
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
by Rich Jones