The beginning of the semester is glorious, so full of potential. Thousands of students, both returning students and leaders and many new students meaning lots of new friends with whom we can share the love of Jesus!
And then the semester continues. It plays out different ways, but pretty much every semester for which I’ve been in college ministry, at this point, no matter what’s happened, I’m hyper-aware of how much potential has yet to be realized. The students who’ve walked away from Jesus probably stand out most clearly. And also, the thousands whom we have yet to reach weigh heavily upon me.
For those of us who are wired (either from birth or by training) to lead, we are always looking to the growth edge. We see what’s next, what’s left, where we can move forward. But to lead well we must inspire, and that often includes looking back and being able to identify successes. We need to thank God for what He’s doing and has done!
Specifically, I believe we need to recognize, appreciate, and enjoy the transformation by God of ourselves and those around us. God is moving; He is at work in His people, and sometimes when you’re in the midst of it you completely miss the special things He’s doing. Every once in a while I need to step back and reflect upon what God is doing. Sometimes the transformation happens in spurts and sometimes very, very subtly. Almost like the leaves changing on a tree come fall. But we are being transformed.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor 3:18)
Apart from the grace of God, we’re hopelessly broken. When we surrender to Jesus, we are instantly justified, adopted as children of God, and given entrance into His presence. But there is a transformation process that takes place over time. And it is something to continually celebrate!
My temptation is this: once someone is added to the group, to only think about the next person to add. But the growth of the group doesn’t happen merely by adding additional members, but also by seeing current members further transformed.
Take time to identify godly transformation in yourself and those around you. Celebrate this transformation. And in so doing you’ll honor God and stir up thanksgiving that will only lead to further transformation!
(And continue to reach new people too!)
photo credit: ecstaticist via photopin cc