Wouldn’t life be easier if we didn’t have so much to choose from? I went shopping recently and found out there were 8 choices of apples! Whether it is the latest gadget or the cereal we have for breakfast, there are always options for us. Even if there were only one thing to choose, you still have the choice to take it or leave it. That is part of life, we have absolute control of what we do or don’t do and therefore, are responsible for our actions.
In our walk with Jesus, we also get spiritual options and choices and the responsibility lies with us. God never forces His will on us, He allows us the freedom to choose in all areas of our lives, not just on Sunday. Although we are all unique and we have our own way in bringing our faith into our daily lives, over the years I have been with St. Martin’s I have seen people grow in faith and I have seen others fade away. Why should this be?
Although nobody can give you the recipe for a successful Christian life, I have noticed events that point to a growing Christian. I have never met a growing Christian who does not regularly have there own quiet time with Jesus. As your stewardship secretary, it has been a real privilege to see people grow through being open to God through there giving. I have seen people grow through the development of their own ministry and using their talents and gifts (not always in church).
My own experience tells me that if I want to have a closer relationship with God, then amongst other things, I need to choose to spend some time with Him. If I only talked to Jackie (my wife) once a week on a Sunday morning, then our relationship would suffer and I am sure would stop sooner or later. For me, at the heart of my faith is my relationship with God and I have to make choices. Recently, work has taken up more and more of my time and it would be easy to justify not spending time praying and reading God’s word. However, there is always a voice saying to me that it is my choice and that what ever I choose, God will not love me any more or any less.
Yours in Christ
Martin
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