Volume 141: Rest in Lifelong Learner
At the start of his sermon this morning, Pastor Eric began with the disclaimer "If you've been around this church for a while, you've heard this story before... when you've been preaching for a quarter of a century, you start to run out of new personal stories to tell."
After his introductory story, he then went on to teach his sermon on 1 John.
There were some people in the congregation that have already heard the story of Eric eating a bowl of cereal with spoiled milk.
And at the same time, there were some people in the congregation that have heard a sermon on 1 John before too.
I, myself, even just happened to listen to a Levi Lusko sermon on 1 John earlier this week on my drive to Chattanooga.
Yet, they were two completely unique takes on the passage, full of different takeaways, ideas, and applications.
And that's always been one of the most fascinating things about Christianity to me - the way we never seem to hear/read the same thing twice. Whether through personal revelation, different speakers, various authors, there's always more. We can never know it all!
So while our personal lives may seem to become rather boring and we run out of new stories to tell, God's story is quite the opposite! His Word is eternal and active, even today!
As I think about this concept, it always reminds me of the importance of being a lifelong learner, always open to learn and willing to listen to new ideas and read books.
In this current season, there are a lot of opportunities for me to learn.
Learning through the Colson Fellows program!
Learning a completely new role!
Learning high school ministry!
Re-learning the education sphere!
And of course, continuing to learn the goodness and faithfulness of God.
May I see all of these things as just that - opportunities to learn and depend more on God, rather than things that intimidate me or throw me off because they are new and not currently as "comfortable."
While there is a lot of new, there's still a lot of "old" and known. And I am grateful for that!
When I start to doubt or my mind fills with anxious thoughts or I feel alone, I am able to look back and know that God is good and has never failed me.
I find rest that even though there is always more to learn about God, Scripture and relationship with Him, He is never changing. He is constant! He's just that big!
Bigger than the mountains and trees and grass that are now a common sight again!
I am really grateful to be back in Chattanooga - feels like I was only gone for the summer and returned!
And the mountains in sight!
And the 15 minute drive to a wonderful hike!
And the kids riding bicycles to the gas station!
And the golf carts as transportation!
And the third place like coffee shops!
And the family compounds on Lookout!
And the quietness and feeling of safety!
And the down to earth people!
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