One of the talks on the Emmaus Weekend is “Growth Through Study.” I’ve known men and women who have done a really good job of giving that talk. And, invariably, the one who gives that talk is a living example of “Growth Through Study.”
Nevertheless, it has usually been a laborious talk for me to hear. As our Community Lay Director Vicki Swigert reminded me, it’s the first talk on Saturday morning. And that’s the one that is given immediately before I, as the weekend spiritual director, give the “Means of Grace” talk on many weekends. So, I realize that my mind is “looking ahead” and “thinking ahead,” no matter how much I may try to relish what God is doing in the now.
I’ve asked myself, “How much does my growth in Christ come through study of God’s Word?”
And, I have to confess that much of my growth does indeed come through study. Especially, study that is done in the context of a small group!
For example, my Celebrate Recovery step study is a series of four books that I read through, fill in the blanks, study the corresponding scriptures, and share in the context and confidentiality of weekly meetings. I have seen real growth occur in my life as a direct result. It has been the means of seeing sanctifying grace flow into my life almost effortlessly. At least without any forceful steps or tactics on my part! It has been a God thing.
More recently, I’ve tried to think how my devotional life has been stirred. How has my life in Christ been spurred? It’s easy to think how my Reunion Group has helped me or how my Celebrate Recovery group keeps my feet to the fire. But beyond the fellowship and study within a small group has been my commitment to study.
I seem to find myself reading a book “all the time.” And, I’ve never really been a reader earlier in my life. But, in one of my Reunion Groups, a fellow pastor was always reading two or three books a week. I felt convicted and began reading as a discipline, sometimes for study and learning, at other times for inspiration, and at times just for personal growth.
What are you reading right now? Why are you reading it? And what do you hope to gain from it? If you are not reading God’s Word and some other book, I encourage you to do so. It’s one of the things that will spur your spiritual growth. It may also touch your heart!
De Colores,
Dan Patman
CrossPoint Walk to Emmaus #1
Table of Mark
