Crawl, Walk, Run

Hebrews 6 begins with the following:

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity...

The Bible is declaring that there should be a clear progression of maturity in the lives of believers. They should in fact: (as one of my favorite sayings goes) "Crawl, Walk, Run!"

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... some of you have heard me say that before. I know my children have heard it hundreds of times. I use it to remind them that you may have to start out slowly but gradually and with effort and perfection-you can soon be moving!

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... it is an expression that gets at the idea of process. You can't do everything at first. Just like a child has to learn to "crawl ... then walk ... and then run" ... so too organizations, and families, and businesses ... need to crawl before they walk and walk before they run.

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... it was actually my theme around New Work Fellowship throughout my first year.

"Crawl, Walk Run" ... it is a reminder to me today, that if I'm just learning to crawl ... that is okay, because learning to crawl is actually a step in the direction of learning to run.

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... it is a reminder to me of the Sovereignty of God. It is that "There is a season for everything" philosophy ... that I don't have to do everything today.

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... is an expression of patient faith that we'll get there together.

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... it is an exciting expression of HOPE, that today I may crawl, but soon I will walk, and then I will run!

 

"Crawl, Walk, Run" ... it is an expression of confidence, that I can pace myself and move forward under God's grace and in His timing.

"Crawl, Walk Run" ... it is a promise. Today we crawl. Tomorrow we walk ... and I promise, we will soon be running.

We've been running this past year! Consider these exciting markers:

• Last Sunday we had the second largest 101 (Welcome Meal) class that we've had since 2007.
• Attendance for 2012 is up nine percent over last year.
• Our "Connect" attendance (all those attending small groups) is up 34% over last year.
• Our "Serve" attendance (all those serving in an official church capacity) is up 43% over last year.
• Last church calendar year, (September-August), 23% of all dollars used in ministry went towards missional efforts!
• Since 2007 we have baptized 214 people (to date).

"Crawl, Walk, Run"

• Will you pray for us as a church, that we would "run the race of faith" and not stumble?
• Will you pray that we would spend enough time on our knees (crawling) so that we are humble and submissive to the Lord's timing?
• Will you pray that as the pace increases, we will watch out for one another and not "step on the fingers" or those who's pace may not be where "my pace" is?
• Will you pray that the Lord will find us worthy in the little things (crawling) ... so that He may entrust to us Greater things?
• Will you pray that we will all someday be able to repeat the Words of Paul: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."