FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK.....

I suspect that I'm fairly typical when it comes to issues of independence. If there's something to be done, my first response is to figure it out myself and do it! I only consider asking for help after I've failed to find a solution myself. Some writers have called this the “rugged individualism” of our culture. In any case, most of us rely on our own resourcefulness as a first line of response.

In some aspects of life, this trait serves us well. In issues of spirituality, however, this spirit of independence gets in the way of what God wants to do in us and through us. God has designed our spiritual growth in such a way that we are totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit. Christian maturity is not about accomplishing our spiritual goals “with the help of the Holy Spirit.” It is rather about God accomplishing His purpose in us as we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Jesus said it this way: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If anyone remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  (John 15:5)  That's a hard one for me to swallow: “do nothing ”?!” Does He really

mean nothing ?  The truth is if I am to accomplish anything of eternal value, it will be only by relying upon the Spirit. That means that my job is to surrender to the Spirit so that He can work in me and through me.

Christianity is not about trying hard to be a better person; it's about yielding to God so He can express His presence and character in me. Come to think of it, that's pretty good news.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Tom