The Way Forward

John 4: 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

Sometimes we forget the debt that we owe to the past, which makes us cast aside the contributions of the generations before us. A lot of people today just live for the here and now; for what you can get and what you can possess. Instead of investing in the future, we want everything instantly. Instead of bequeathing something valuable to the next generations, we want to use up all our precious resources before we leave the surly bonds of earth. It's a sad state for the world to be in, and it's one that Christians have got to be cautious about embracing.

This week, in our church, we're having a new conference called "The Way Forward." It sounds as though we're jettisoning everything from the past, but we're not. We're trying to find the way to carry forward what's best for our church from the past, as well as the present, as we head out into the unknown world of the future. It will involve change and transition. It will require focus and dedication.

Traditions have values when they are still relevant in today's world. Traditions become quaint and archaic when they make no connection to what's happening around us. Our dilemma in a growing church is to try to discover what God's will is for us, and take a new journey of faith, carrying what's needed and only holding on to what is important.

The good thing is that we have a future at Erin, because of the solid ground that people in the past, both a long time ago and recently, have provided. They have given a lot of their time, talents and resources to not just keep us afloat, but to ensure that our purpose and message, our vision and mission is relevant, necessary, and attractive to other people. The fruits that we are enjoying today are the results of seeds of faith that were planted in the past. The work that we are presently continuing has grown out of the labors of others in far off and recent years.

So, give thanks to God for the faith you have, because other people have invested their gifts and time in you. And if you can, take every opportunity today, to replant some seeds of faith in the hearts and minds of other people, through your love and Christian witness to them.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we have almost two thousand years of Christian tradition behind us, which has shaped our faith and molded us into who we are today. Keep us mindful of the contributions of the billions of Christians who came before us, and help us to step forward into the world, carrying the values You want, for the victory that You desire. In Your Holy name, we thankfully pray. Amen.