– Rev. Chris Brady, Capital District Superintendent
Forgetting what lies behind and straining forwards to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3: 13-14
We are entering into one of my favorite times of the year partly because I prefer colder temps and I love snow, but also because this is the time of the year my holy imagination begins to bubble over with anticipation of what can be because of God.
Lately, however, it has become clear to me that the future is more eagerly embraced for some than it is for others, especially given the difficulties of our present context. Yet, I find Paul’s words renewing as he invites those with an ear to hear to join him in straining forward and leaving behind what cannot be undone. In Paul’s words, is a call of sanctification, ‘press on toward the goal’. What goal? Well, the goal of perfecting love, of deeper grounding in the hope of the risen Christ, in the healing and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, or the mystery of God, as we are reminded irrefutable truth that regardless of what we experience God never leaves us nor forsakes us. All these ‘pressings’ can lead us more faithfully into our mission and renew our purpose as communities of faith. Press on connotes that we will need to exert some effort and do some work. So why does our Christian way of life seem much more driven by fear than faith when it comes to the future?
Paul says, let it go! We cannot carry the weight of the past into God’s preferred future. That is easier said than done. Paul expects we will engage in Christian practices in the community that cultivate our capacity to endure running into the wind. I have watched runners train, and one of the practices used to fortify the ability to press forward is to don ankle weights or engage in wind sprints intentionally. In other words, they employ strategies that allow them to alternate between pushing hard to increase stamina and then allowing for a recovery period to be renewed. Mature athletes understand they cannot sustain the same pace continuously. Paul speaks of Maturity in Philippians 4:15. Maturity suggests a modicum of wisdom be embraced to run the race.
As we enter the coming liturgical season, we must be mindful that many of us have been running at an unsustainable pace, without rest, if we are honest. I am speaking to the pastors and lay leaders of the beloved Capital District United Methodist churches. Please reflect and assess your spiritual, physical, and mental health regarding where you are on this journey. Give space for the fresh wind of the Holy Ghost to renew you in preparation for the holy season of Advent and Christmas. Take time to replenish your spiritual reserve NOW, before the marathon of seasonal offerings and faithful outreach are upon us.
Thank you for all you do in serving Christ through your servant leadership to Christ’s kin-dom.
