Just Getting Started
We're Just Getting Started: A Journey of Growth and Transformation
There's something electric about the opening sequence of a great adventure film. The tension builds, the hero faces impossible odds, and just when you think the story has reached its climax—you realize you're only eight minutes in. The real adventure is just beginning.
This is precisely where many of us find ourselves in our faith journey. We look at what God has done, celebrate the victories, count the blessings—and then we face a crucial choice: Do we roll the credits and coast, or do we recognize that we're just getting started?
The Danger of Weariness
The Apostle Paul understood something fundamental about human nature: we get tired. We grow weary in doing good. In his letter to the Galatians, he writes: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:9-10).
This isn't just ancient wisdom—it's a present reality. Sometimes we don't see the final harvest. Sometimes we feel like we've arrived at our destination and can simply maintain what we've built. But Paul challenges us to keep going. The work is not done. The harvest is coming, but it requires continued faithfulness.
The Question That Changes Everything
When someone asks, "Is all of this really working?" it's easy to feel defensive. But it's actually the right question—not because we should doubt God's faithfulness, but because we should be able to see the fruit of our labor. We should be able to look back and recognize where God has been moving.
The truth is, transformation often happens quietly, behind the scenes. Generosity flows in ways we don't always see. Lives change in moments we don't always witness. Communities are blessed through acts of service that never make headlines. But when we step back and look at the bigger picture, the evidence of God's work becomes undeniable.
A Legacy of Generosity
Consider what happens when God's people embrace radical generosity. When resources are stewarded well and given freely, entire communities are transformed. Food pantries are stocked. Homeless shelters receive needed upgrades. Families facing crisis receive help with utilities and groceries. Students attend camps that change their faith trajectory. Missionaries spread the gospel to unreached places.
This isn't theoretical—it's the practical outworking of biblical stewardship. When a community of believers commits to being more than a "tithing church," when they become a double-tithing church that sends back out what comes in, the kingdom impact multiplies exponentially.
Imagine over $130,000 flowing into local and global missions. Picture 660 cases of food blessing those facing hunger. Think about the ripple effect of supporting counseling centers, cancer support organizations, and homeless ministries. This is what happens when generosity becomes a lifestyle, not just an obligation.
Growing in Three Directions
Spiritual growth isn't one-dimensional. It happens in three interconnected ways:
Upward Growth is about deepening our relationship with God. It's the foundation for everything else. Without staying connected to our source—the God who provides life, strength, wisdom, truth, grace, peace, love, and goodness—we quickly run dry.
Outward Growth is about expanding our impact in the community and world. It's taking the love we've received and sharing it generously with others, especially those who are hurting and marginalized.
Forward Growth is about momentum and multiplication. It's about not just maintaining what we've built but continuing to advance the kingdom in new and innovative ways.
All three matter, but they must happen in the right order. You cannot give what you don't have. You cannot share a relationship you haven't cultivated. Upward growth fuels everything else.
The Hard Questions We Must Ask
Here's where personal inventory becomes crucial. As we reflect on the past year, we must ask ourselves:
The reality is stark but freeing: if we leave this year the same way we entered it, it's because we chose to. The resources are available. The opportunities are present. The barriers have been removed. What remains is the choice.
Seeking First the Kingdom
Jesus gave us a clear priority in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Seeking first means intentionality. It means making our relationship with God the non-negotiable center of our lives, not something we fit in when convenient. It means choosing daily to grow deeper, to press in, to pursue the heart of God with everything we have.
This isn't about earning God's love—we already have that. It's about positioning ourselves to receive everything He wants to give us. It's about becoming the people He created us to be.
The Promise That Sustains Us
Paul's words to the Philippians offer both comfort and challenge: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
God isn't done yet. The good work that began is continuing. Our job isn't to complete the work—that's God's responsibility. Our job is simply to work, to partner with God in what He's doing, to show up faithfully and let Him do the soul work inside us.
A Prayer for Abounding Love
As we commit to growth, especially upward growth in our relationship with God, consider this prayer from Philippians 1:9-11: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
This is what transformation looks like. Not just knowing about God, but having a love that abounds more and more. Having the depth of insight to navigate a chaotic world. Being filled with the fruit of righteousness that only comes through Jesus.
Just Getting Started
The opening scene has been incredible. The foundation has been laid. Resources are in place. The team is ready. The vision is clear. But the adventure is far from over.
In fact, we're just getting started.
The question isn't whether God will complete His work—He will. The question is whether we'll partner with Him in it. Whether we'll choose growth over comfort. Whether we'll seek first His kingdom. Whether we'll let this be the year that changes everything.
The harvest is coming. Let's not grow weary. Let's grow upward, outward, and forward—together.
There's something electric about the opening sequence of a great adventure film. The tension builds, the hero faces impossible odds, and just when you think the story has reached its climax—you realize you're only eight minutes in. The real adventure is just beginning.
This is precisely where many of us find ourselves in our faith journey. We look at what God has done, celebrate the victories, count the blessings—and then we face a crucial choice: Do we roll the credits and coast, or do we recognize that we're just getting started?
The Danger of Weariness
The Apostle Paul understood something fundamental about human nature: we get tired. We grow weary in doing good. In his letter to the Galatians, he writes: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the right time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:9-10).
This isn't just ancient wisdom—it's a present reality. Sometimes we don't see the final harvest. Sometimes we feel like we've arrived at our destination and can simply maintain what we've built. But Paul challenges us to keep going. The work is not done. The harvest is coming, but it requires continued faithfulness.
The Question That Changes Everything
When someone asks, "Is all of this really working?" it's easy to feel defensive. But it's actually the right question—not because we should doubt God's faithfulness, but because we should be able to see the fruit of our labor. We should be able to look back and recognize where God has been moving.
The truth is, transformation often happens quietly, behind the scenes. Generosity flows in ways we don't always see. Lives change in moments we don't always witness. Communities are blessed through acts of service that never make headlines. But when we step back and look at the bigger picture, the evidence of God's work becomes undeniable.
A Legacy of Generosity
Consider what happens when God's people embrace radical generosity. When resources are stewarded well and given freely, entire communities are transformed. Food pantries are stocked. Homeless shelters receive needed upgrades. Families facing crisis receive help with utilities and groceries. Students attend camps that change their faith trajectory. Missionaries spread the gospel to unreached places.
This isn't theoretical—it's the practical outworking of biblical stewardship. When a community of believers commits to being more than a "tithing church," when they become a double-tithing church that sends back out what comes in, the kingdom impact multiplies exponentially.
Imagine over $130,000 flowing into local and global missions. Picture 660 cases of food blessing those facing hunger. Think about the ripple effect of supporting counseling centers, cancer support organizations, and homeless ministries. This is what happens when generosity becomes a lifestyle, not just an obligation.
Growing in Three Directions
Spiritual growth isn't one-dimensional. It happens in three interconnected ways:
Upward Growth is about deepening our relationship with God. It's the foundation for everything else. Without staying connected to our source—the God who provides life, strength, wisdom, truth, grace, peace, love, and goodness—we quickly run dry.
Outward Growth is about expanding our impact in the community and world. It's taking the love we've received and sharing it generously with others, especially those who are hurting and marginalized.
Forward Growth is about momentum and multiplication. It's about not just maintaining what we've built but continuing to advance the kingdom in new and innovative ways.
All three matter, but they must happen in the right order. You cannot give what you don't have. You cannot share a relationship you haven't cultivated. Upward growth fuels everything else.
The Hard Questions We Must Ask
Here's where personal inventory becomes crucial. As we reflect on the past year, we must ask ourselves:
- Am I the same person I was a year ago?
- Do I still have the same doubts and fears?
- Am I still holding onto the same anger and shame?
- Am I struggling with the same temptations?
- Does my life feel empty and aimless?
- What does my prayer life look like?
- How much time do I spend in God's Word?
- When's the last time I praised God in the middle of ordinary life?
- How often do I engage with others in worship, small groups, or with accountability partners?
- How intentional am I about fasting—putting aside worldly things to seek God?
The reality is stark but freeing: if we leave this year the same way we entered it, it's because we chose to. The resources are available. The opportunities are present. The barriers have been removed. What remains is the choice.
Seeking First the Kingdom
Jesus gave us a clear priority in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Seeking first means intentionality. It means making our relationship with God the non-negotiable center of our lives, not something we fit in when convenient. It means choosing daily to grow deeper, to press in, to pursue the heart of God with everything we have.
This isn't about earning God's love—we already have that. It's about positioning ourselves to receive everything He wants to give us. It's about becoming the people He created us to be.
The Promise That Sustains Us
Paul's words to the Philippians offer both comfort and challenge: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
God isn't done yet. The good work that began is continuing. Our job isn't to complete the work—that's God's responsibility. Our job is simply to work, to partner with God in what He's doing, to show up faithfully and let Him do the soul work inside us.
A Prayer for Abounding Love
As we commit to growth, especially upward growth in our relationship with God, consider this prayer from Philippians 1:9-11: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
This is what transformation looks like. Not just knowing about God, but having a love that abounds more and more. Having the depth of insight to navigate a chaotic world. Being filled with the fruit of righteousness that only comes through Jesus.
Just Getting Started
The opening scene has been incredible. The foundation has been laid. Resources are in place. The team is ready. The vision is clear. But the adventure is far from over.
In fact, we're just getting started.
The question isn't whether God will complete His work—He will. The question is whether we'll partner with Him in it. Whether we'll choose growth over comfort. Whether we'll seek first His kingdom. Whether we'll let this be the year that changes everything.
The harvest is coming. Let's not grow weary. Let's grow upward, outward, and forward—together.
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