Ephesians 4:14-15
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
Maturity is to be the norm, not the exception. That’s what I hear Paul saying in Ephesians 4. The longer you walk with Jesus the more your life should reflect Jesus, it’s called “growing up.”
In January, Eagle Church turns 25. I’ve been thinking about what characterizes 25-year-olds: a clarity about who you are (and who you’re not), an understanding of what you want to give your time and energy to, and hopefully some increased financial independence (less reliant on others to support you, paying off debt). I think that captures what God is doing with us as a Body these days.
We’re 25 and He’s helping us embrace our identity, who has He called Eagle to be? Where is He asking us to put our focus?
Three areas: DISCIPLESHIP, MISSIONS, NEXT GENERATION.
We want to be a people who live everyday life with Jesus and help others do that.
We want to join God and do something about the brokenness of the world around us.
We want to be really intentional about building a strong foundation in children & students.
We’re not going to have the softest seats, we’re not going to have 5-6 campuses, we’re not going to have our worship gatherings programmed to-the-minute (there will be some flexibility and spontaneity), and the pastor’s messages might run long once in a while. But we WILL be faithful to the Scriptures and we WILL be faithful to keep Jesus at the center and we WILL bust our tails to move the ball down-the-field in discipleship, missions and next generation. It’s about the spiritual development of people, that’s the work He has called us to.
And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that God has orchestrated things financially in such a way that we’re able to pay off some debt which frees up dollars for ministry. It’s “just like God” to bring clarity around what He wants done and then to provide the resources to accomplish it. Sounds like “growing up” to me.