September 24, 2008
A Fresh Start in Your Spiritual Formation
Dear Friend,
On Sunday, I invited people to make a fresh start in life. This is easier for some than others. The Roman philosopher Epictetus once noted: “It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.” I think this insight identifies one of the reasons why we struggle with fresh starts.
How do we escape the dilemma Epictetus identified? I suggest three ideas for your consideration:
- Humility – None of us should ever feel “less of ourselves” by the personal admission that we need to continue to learn new things.
- Ritual – New habits of reading, thinking and discussing generally lead to new qualities of life.
- Appreciation – When we recognize and value our personal development, it seems easier for us to continue engaging in the activities that grow our souls.
I may not be able to learn what I think I already know, but I am able to challenge myself with fresh starts in my spiritual formation. These fresh starts might include a daily time to read Scripture, pray, and think about the noble Christian concepts of love, joy and peace.
I encourage you to draw a line, step over it, and begin on a new adventure in personal discovery and spiritual formation!
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
