Perpetual Growth

Growing up I was able to visit a really cool science museum, and one of the main attractions was a weighted stick that slowly drew intersecting circles in a large area of sand. It was as close to a perpetual machine as I’ve ever seen. It seemed to always be moving and changing the layout of the circles in the sand, but I’m sure there was some form of low-energy power going through the machine unseen by the public.

I was reminded of that exhibit recently when our church introduced a new initiative called Unfinished, where we are asking for the church as a whole grow in faith, discipleship and spiritual growth. They are also asking those who are members of the church to consider either beginning to give to the church as a whole or even increase their giving so that changes can be made to the spaces our church uses on a weekly basis to be more suitable for the needs of our growing congregation.

My initial response to the idea to increase our giving was on par with Scrooge McDuck. I know we give now, but to be asked to give more when we have bills to pay, groceries to buy and medicine to constantly have access to, I had a less than favorable reaction. Then God reminded me that He is sovereign and I need to place my trust in Him and not allow society to dictate what we should do with our money. It was a sobering reminder.

As a Christ follower, I am aiming to be constantly growing; in my faith, my reliance on God and also how to be a wise steward of the funds we as a family have. I would like to think I am perpetually learning how to be a better Christ follower, a mother, a wife and a friend. Balancing all of those roles isn’t always easy, but I feel like with Christs’ strength, like the unseen motor in the perpetual machine at the science museum, and encouragement from friends and family I can make strides towards my end goal.

The initiative our church is doing is called #Unfinished and I am reminded every day in my devotionals that God isn’t done with me yet as a child of His. I am still unfinished and vitally, I am striving to grow my faith, my devotion and obedience in what He calls us to do.

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2 HCSB