Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday February 04, 2007
Ephesians 6 The Whole Armor of God
The Platt River has been described as, “an inch deep and mile wide.” Unfortunately, this is also a fitting description of much that passes for Christian Spirituality these days. So much talk about not much of anything lasting and profound. Our life in Christ should be an iceberg with 90 percent beneath the surface. Rather than a slippery patch of ice on my sidewalk which will dry up quickly as the sun begins to shine.
The Apostle Paul is writing in Ephesians about the idea of protecting our lives and learning to withstand the winds which will surely blow as we grow in our Spirit. I believe depth of Spirit is a function of growing and allowing that growth to bear fruit. For years I have encouraged myself to be faithful. Only recently I have encountered a new focus of being fruitful. To bear fruit is to be faithful, but feels to me to be the next step in our faith journey. If my goal is to simply be faithful, then I do not need take responsibility and also find I cannot be held accountable. If on the other hand, my Spiritual goal is to bear fruit, then it is fairly easy to identify my responsibilities and I also can be held accountable. Christ said we are known by our fruit, not just our faithfulness.
Roots become very important. Depth is essential when bearing fruit so that we can endure the dry seasons. There is a bridge to this place of Spiritual depth. It is not quick or particularly easy route to follow. Yet, the path of discipleship proves over and over to produce the very fruit we celebrate as the life of Christ. So it is to this place of the methodical practice of time honored means of Grace that we will focus this coming week. Rather than living our lives an inch deep and mile wide, lets go deep with Christ Jesus and bear fruit in all seasons; moving us just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Sermon Title: “Spiritual Fresh Start”
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