Digging Deeper

  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion – Philippians 1:6 

Definition:  Life – the quality that distinguishes a vital, living, functional being from a dead body.

 When we accept the invitation of Christ to join His forever family, it is just a beginning.  Many people think that finally that is all there is, but according to Paul in our scripture, it is just the beginning, the starting place, the start line with the finish line in sight. The Greek word that Paul uses here is arcita (pronounced ar-kita) which literally means the beginnings, the starting places. It is the same word used in describing the time before creation when God spoke the world into existence. In the same way our creation is beginning a new life, a new creation, a brand new baby in the image of Christ ready to meet the world. Like most new babies, they are totally unaware of anything good or bad for themselves and need the help of spiritual parents to help them grow and learn for themselves. For the longest time in the church we have failed at doing this parenting thing.  What would you think if I told you that my son and daughter-in-law had a new little baby girl and that after a couple days in the hospital they tied little Evie in the back seat, started the drive home and when they came to the first stop sign, got out, put little Evie beside the sign with a copy of the Bible, Dr. Spocks book on raising children, and a couple of cookies with a kiss and a hug. Ridiculous! We do it to new Christians all the time. They deserve the warmth and nurturing of fellow Christians in a non-threatening atmosphere called life groups. Maybe you are new or old but we all need each other. Be a part of it today. Make time for it, make it a priority, get real, commit not to quit!

Prayer:  Father, I make time for everything else in my life, help me make time for growing in You. I love you Lord.

By: Rick Drake