Wanting More

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2). 

It’s not exactly news that people hate change.  In church we bump against this tendency if we try to change the music, or the position of the furniture, or the color of the carpet, and other superficial issues.  Tragically, we often can’t get past those to the more important issues.

As a pastor, I’m interested in helping all of us go deep to discover a greater relationship with God.  Doesn’t it make sense to assume that there is always more to see and know and experience, and that we could discover things that have never been articulated before?

Am I making anyone nervous yet?

The Church, not just our congregation, not just our denomination, but the whole Church, has expended an enormous amount of energy in establishing doctrines and then debating the finer points of them with each other.  Each church reminds its members over and over as to “what we believe.”

It’s not wrong to review church doctrine, but we need to recognize that it is an attempt to have conformation rather than encourage transformation.    

I want to learn new things. I want new insights. I want to be more than I was yesterday. I want to know God more. 

I want transformation.

Jesus wants nothing less for us, and frankly, I won’t settle for less.