The fall is a beautiful time of year. It is a time of change. We change our clocks back and gain an extra hour; we change our wardrobe and bring out the sweaters, jackets and boots; the scenery changes from green to vibrant hues of orange, gold, yellow and brown; and we change from having the kids around all day to missing them until they return from school. These are just a few of the changes that take place every year. For many of us this is our favorite time of year. Maybe it’s the change or maybe it’s something that we can’t quite put our finger on – we just like the cooler, crisp weather; we like that things are going to be different; we like that we have a new routine.

This reminds me that our spiritual life is about change. God never intended for us to be static. He expected change to take place continuously throughout our lives. Paul put it in the following terms:

“…For your progress and joy in the faith.” (Philippians 1:25)

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” (Colossians 2:6)

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

These are just a few indicators in Scripture that our life in Christ was never meant to get to a point where change didn’t happen. And God has a goal in mind. God’s goal is for us is to be formed into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29-30).

But what if change isn’t taking place? There is a great danger in being satisfied with where we are in our relationship with God. What if someone has no hunger or thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6)? What if someone doesn’t delight in God’s Word enough to study it and meditate on it (Psalm 119:16) or even carry it? What if, when someone is confronted with truth, they consistently choose to disobey that truth? Let me put to you this way: How can anyone claim to be God’s child if they have no interest in knowing and obeying the Father?

The answers to these questions are not easy, but I think the questions are necessary for each of us to ask personally. “The unexamined life is not worth living” (Socrates). “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith…” (Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:5).

Grace & Peace,