“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:12
My 87-year old Dad has been using a phrase for years that really catches people off-guard. When someone asks him how he’s doing, he’ll often reply, “Well, I’m just approaching perfection!” Over the years, I’ve come to realize that he truly IS approaching perfection. While he’s always been a wonderful father, over the years, he’s become more loving and gentle, more grace-filled and merciful. He’s one of the least easily offended people I know, and that’s a wonderful trait, too! While he’s certainly not perfect, Dad realizes that we’re all on a journey, with Heaven as our destination.
My dad is looking forward to that time when he will, indeed, be perfect! Meanwhile, God uses circumstances and other people, which can mold and shape each one of us to be more like our example of perfection, Jesus. My dad is a Sunday school teacher, he serves in Men’s Ministry at his church, he’s a veteran, and he’s a wonderful father, grandfather, neighbor and friend! With each passing year and with each experience, Dad has become more loving, more generous, more thoughtful…more like Jesus!
During this sermon series, “Daring Greatly”, we’ll be hearing about the lives of some brave people; people who trusted God to help them through whatever He called them to do. Most were totally imperfect, just like you, my dad, and me. But God used each of them in a mighty way because they stepped out in FAITH!
Has God been speaking to your heart about doing something to further His kingdom? What are your gifts? Are you using them to glorify Him? There are so many ways to share God’s love and bring hope to our world right here at St. Luke’s. We need dedicated volunteers to serve in Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry. We need people to lead Bible Studies, help deliver Mobile Meals, be mentors or assist at Rancho Village or El Sistema, sing in the choir, serve on the Care Team, help with hospitality on Sunday mornings, and countless other things.
Do you want to be a better person every day? Are you approaching perfection? One way to speed up the process is to serve others! Be brave, my friend, and step out in faith.
Susan Easttom, Director of Children’s Ministry
