Community - March 13, 2025
Good day, Black Creek Church family,
For the past few weeks, I have been pondering the concept of 'Maturity'.
This week someone told me that I am pretty unflappable (not easily angered).
That hasn't always been the case....
Paul talks to the Corinthians about their 'maturity'.
He points to how fractured their fellowship was.
Some followed Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or Jesus...
Paul said it was imMature.
In fact he said they were still 'babies' and not able to 'eat' mature food (I Cor 3:1-3 ff)
The text tells me that acting this way was 'being merely human', fleshly, or of this earthly kingdom.
Hmmm.
Apparently, being 'myself' with all of my wants and desires outside of God's plans for me
is imMature and lacking.
The other direction. Maturity...
Choosing to follow God's plans for my life and placing myself in His care and direction
grows good fruit.
- Deep trust in God's plans and His care for me
- Resilience
- Stability
- Wisdom for short and long-term decisions
- Peace and confidence
- Building up relationships
Reminder: The First Easter Musical Practice is this Sunday from 4 - 5 pm
Everyone welcome
Reminder: Our Annual General Meeting is this Sunday from 7 - 9 pm
Everyone welcome
Pray for our nation and for our friends to the south.
Invite God into our governments - for them to be wise, truthful, and exercise the values that come from Him
So, how can I be more Mature?
Three things I have observed that bring maturity:
- Living in community. Heb 10, Rom 12 - Being with others will give me balance and challenge my tendency for self-centeredness.
- Living under authority. Rom 13 - Choosing to honour those God has placed in authority, even if I don't always agree with them, gives me resilience to be obedient to God, even when I can't see the outcome or His way of directing me.
- Choosing others over self. Phil 2 - Jesus' example of servant leadership and sacrificial care change up my world, my priorities, and my 'rights' so I align with Heaven's values.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness,
with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace.
Lord, I want to 'grow up'.
I don't want to stay 'babyish'.
Thank you for teaching and bringing awareness that becoming more like you
is real, full, and amazing life.
Blessings on your week,
Peter Jackson
Part of Your Team
Black Creek Community Church