We need to grow
Jesus told us His kingdom was upon us (cf. Luke 17:21). That didn’t go away. It was upon us then, and it is upon us now. It is up to each of us to grab hold of the part we’re meant to grab hold of and drag it into the realities of our individual and collective lives. Can we do it? Oh, yes. We can do it because He already did it for us. We just have to be willing to realize it in our here and now. That part is for each of us to do.
Well, okay … how? We do it by rubbing ourselves up against God, very deliberately to see how we’re to grow. We can’t experience the Kingdom while we nurture fear, harsh criticism of any other, cruelty toward anyone (including ourselves). We can’t recognize the Kingdom while refusing to pray for those less fortunate, refusing to be grateful for all we do have (warmth, a home, people who love us, food). Yes, it starts this basic.
There’s power in our growth. And there are two main reasons why most of us don’t grow: we don’t really think about it; and/or, we’re afraid. We don’t think about it because we’re busy, and we’re trapped in this idea that who and what we are is set. It’s not! If we’re miserable to be around, we can change! If we don’t like who we see in the mirror, that can change. And God will help in our efforts.
The other reason we slink away from growth is a lack of courage. Changing ourselves is hard. It is painful. But I mean to tell you, there is no better experience on earth than to find oneself in the company of Jesus Christ as some ugliness within falls away. Oh, to stand taller, to feel bigger, to become who we’re supposed to be!
That’s real power.
Reflection
What aspects of yourself do you not like? What aspects of yourself should you not like? Why aren’t you taking these to God and asking for growth?
Prayer
Dear God, I can change. I can grow. I’m not meant to stay narrow, shut down, mean, critical, self-righteous, negative. I can experience hope, Your hope, that state of being that welcomes joy, contentment, peace, even when things are rough. Show we how to grow, Lord. Help me to know how. I can take part in this Kingdom coming. Amen.