One of my favorite parts of being a pastor is observing your lives and noticing how God is changing you. I know…you’re probably thinking, “Sure Pastor Mel, you think I’m becoming more loving, but you don’t know the whole story. You don’t know what it’s like at home or at work.”

And you’re right. I don’t. I’m not privy to every part of your life. When I stop to tell you how I notice you changing or who I think you’re becoming with the help of Jesus, I’m not naïve to think you’ve got it all together. I know none of us have “got it all together.” Maybe you snap at our kids when you get overtired and irritable (guilty ✋). Maybe you’re going to bed too late or ignoring the need to get to the doctor. Maybe you’re constantly arguing with your spouse. Maybe you keep thinking about reading your Bible but you don’t get around to it. I know, friends, I know. We don’t have it all together. 

Jesus wasn’t kidding when He said, “I have come that they may have life to the full.” I think He’s talking about eternal life and life right here and now. I don’t think the point of being a Christian or going to church is to become a bunch of identical robots.

I am convinced of this: each one of us has a unique way of approaching life, and the gifts you bring to the table are from God. The way you show up in life – with your unique perspective and personality – is exactly how God intends to bring his healing and wholeness to the world. 

Do you believe me? God doesn’t want to squish you into a mold. God wants to help you become fully you, that you might experience life to the full and bring God’s wholeness to the people around you.

Maybe you’d like join me in exploring your personality and perspective? This Fall I’m leading a Growth Group called The Road Back to You (a book by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile). This book introduces a spiritual formation tool called the Enneagram (which just means 9-sided figure). The Enneagram has helped me understand my way of seeing the world; it’s given me more understanding of other people’s way of seeing the world; and it’s identified my specific sin-struggle so I can stop more quickly and return to the way of Jesus.

I’d love for you to join me after church starting September 8 or pick up a copy of the book to read on your own. Here’s to the journey ahead in the light and love of God!