Encouraged

6 weeks in and there’s been a voice in the back of my head that kept going – “Yeah, but…”

This is a great place to serve…”Yeah, but it’s early and is this really going to be a place that you fit?”

These are some incredibly creative people that are going to make me better…”Yeah, but what’s going to happen the first time you disagree with them?”

The worship times have felt deep…meaningful…intense…reflective…”Yeah, but is that just your perspective?”

The family is good, their happy, their excited….”yeah, but how much longer can it last?”

Then came Sunday. I don’t know why Sunday ended up being so significant. I mean…6 weeks in, it IS still early. Most pastors are telling me they didn’t feel right or at home until after the first year, sometimes longer. I’m a long way from that mark.

But Sunday was good. Part of it was Danny and Suzanne were here. They got to feel the vibe of Western Hills, meet the people, experience the service. When I introduced Danny in the second service, I barely got Pinecrest Community Church out of my service when the congregation burst out in applause. Completely spontaneous, very warm and heartfelt. It was another confirmation that what we did and how we (Western Hills, Pinecrest, all involved) did it was right, was God-honoring.

Part of it is our relentless pursuit of authenticity. Authenticity is not just being real for the sake of being real. If we only did that – would lead us to some bad places. In my less mature years (I’m not saying I am mature now…just more mature than I was…), I used ‘authenticity’ as an excuse for my immaturity. As in – “This is who I am, deal with it.” I’ve seen authenticity used as a weapon to hurt others. Not good. Not real authenticity either.

Real authenticity is being who you are, being real about who you are for the purpose of life change, spiritual transformation. No pretense, no guile – not to stay where I am but to move closer to Jesus. This understanding of authenticity is probably closer to James’ understanding of humility. We humble ourselves so that Jesus can ‘lift us up.’

I used to think this meant recognition. I don’t think it means that anymore. I think it means lifts us up to where Jesus is…in His character, His compassion, His mind. He makes us more like Him when we are humble (authentic) because He doesn’t have to break us.

At any rate…I’m seeing life change in our folks. Slowly…but surely. Walls are coming down and I could feel it on Sunday.