“What do I do now!” she expressed with intense emotion. Moments earlier she had invited Jesus Christ into her heart and life and now was experiencing an intense feeling of peace with her decision. I live for these moments; the moments when I get to participate in what God is doing in some one’s life. The moment we establish a relationship with Christ we become different, changed, restored. In a very literal and spiritual sense we move from one environment to another. “I just feel different, free and full of life!” she cheerfully exclaimed. I couldn’t help but smile knowing that God had stirred her heart and changed her life. I handed her a new Bible and a few pieces of literature that would help give her some spiritual direction with her new faith. Over the next several months she cultivated that relationship and is still living a transformed life today.
I wish that everyone had a similar story, but they don’t. Many people who once had a vibrant and growing faith have settled into a colony of complacency. What once was new and exciting has now become routine, as fresh as last week’s news. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is true that we will experience highs and lows in our spiritual life, but we can keep it from becoming mundane. God is anything but mundane, so our faith should reflect his magnificence.
At Freshwater we desire to be a catalyst to help people grow in their faith and we do this with the utmost intention. Every Sunday I talk about how to deepen and expand our spiritual lives and always challenge the congregation to apply their faith to their life. Our study group and small group ministry exists to tackle some of the most interesting faith matters and provide an environment to discuss them. The worship music helps us to focus on God’s magnificence and our time of prayer keeps us centered on God and communicating with Him. And all of our other ministries and programs help people get connected so they can develop healthy relationships and receive encouragement to live out their faith every day. By engaging in spiritual disciplines like attending church, reading your bible, and connecting with others, your faith will have the newness that it did when you first gave your life to Christ and you won’t have to settle in a colony of complacency.