I would like to be able to say that modern life is what makes it so difficult. That our culture does not support individual spiritual development. I would like to be able to use such an excuse. However, being a part of Celebration Church has revealed to me that it is possible. There are people in this church that are hungry. They crave to learn more, and not just to have knowledge, they have a track record of being inspired and putting their beliefs into action. Real-life, tangible things are happening nearly every week. This small local church is making a difference in a lot of people's lives and not just here in Butler and Warren counties.
I guess that it is difficult to see real people fully living out their faith and not want to do the same thing. If God can use them in genuinely effective ways, why not me? When we first started attending, I said that the faith of new believers was addicting. Seeing someone start living by faith and jump in with both feet is without a doubt inspiring. Also, I've found that these are people I want to be around. For the first time in ten years, I've found a church that I want to spend time in... but I haven't jumped in with both feet.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way -Psalm 37:23
I participate, volunteer, recently led a leaf raking outreach, and helped serve hot dogs at a shelter. We'll call all of that my right foot. Believe me, the right foot has ambition and dreams big. My right foot is moving to the rhythm, doing the right things, taking the appropriate steps... but my left foot is not cooperating. It seems to be stuck in concrete. My left foot is my individual spirituality. Praying, reading my bible, having quiet time, reading books, putting effort into living a more honorable life, these are the things that make up my left foot. Oh, the left foot enjoys Sundays. Church service certainly gets the left foot moving, but sadly there's no momentum. By the time Tuesday rolls around, left foot is curled up under the refrigerator living with the dust bunnies. Since the left foot is part of the same body as the right foot, the right foot never makes any progress. The ambition never matures into action. The big dreams never become goals. Everything. Stays. The. Same.
So with my wife's help, this is my effort to get my left foot moving. An attempt at making scripture, thoughtful reflection and prayer a part of my life. Honestly, I believe that the struggle of living this life half-way is just as challenging- it causes internal conflict.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. -Romans 8:1
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. -1 John 2:6
