Growth

The slow or stopped growth of the national economy is a great cause for concern for those who have been used to seeing steady increases in earning power and spending habits.
We almost always consider 'growth' in financial terms, while other dimensions of life are often ignored.
But what about growth in family relationships, or in community cohesion, social responsibility, fairly traded goods and so on?
Could we not become less focused on the 'me, me, me' aspects of life and instead think of how our lives impact others?
Jesus, as usual, is our leader in this. He taught about the way of life that his Father had given for him, and then he lived and died that way. '“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again.' (John 10.14-17)
It is has been so encouraging, in recent weeks, to see how people at St. Andrew's have been growing in knowing the Lord Jesus for themselves.
The Confirmation Service last month, and the Christianity Explored Course which has just finished, have both shown people growing in their Christian faith, understanding and experience. This is wonderfully encouraging, and just what Jesus speaks about when he says, 'I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.' When new people join any church, these verses are being fulfilled!
Perhaps today, when we listen to yet more gloomy economic news, we can praise the Lord for the growth that He is producing in the lives of people in our church and area. And maybe we will commit to making that our aim too - to grow to know Jesus better, so that Jesus may be better known!
Best wishes,
Richard