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Spiritual Formation: Becoming a Christ-Follower
Have you ever watched a crew of cement workers pouring a concrete sidewalk? It's quite a process.
Seeing them mix the concrete to just the right consistency is an art all by itself. But before they can pour the concrete, they must first build the form. They use two-by-fours, nailing them together in the shape they want the finished concrete to take. Only after the form is built can they pour the concrete inside.
Then, as the concrete is hardening, they work with it - back and forth - so it fills up every area of the mold; then they trowel it so the surface is just the right texture. And they wait and watch as the concrete firms up, keeping an eye on the weather (and any wandering cats and dogs in the area!). When the concrete is hardened the form is taken away, leaving the new sidewalk.
That is a metaphor for Spiritual Formation.
Spiritual Formation is the discipline of "building the form" that helps to keep us in God's presence where he can "pour out" his Spirit to teach us, to deepen our faith and transform us into true disciples. It is intentional; it is focused; it is disciplined. It involves the growth of the whole person: the body, mind, heart and will.
Come this Monday night where we will start to build YOUR form as you allow God to change your heart and transform your life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 3:18 Paul looks forward to a time when we "...are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Greg
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