Celebrating ...

In two minds regarding so much within the readings and nothing really standing out. But also reflecting on an experience of Sunday where I was privileged to witness a couple of people becoming Senior Soldiers in The Salvation Army.

Each had a very different experience and thus testimony to share. One an amazing story of transformation from addiction, self esteem issues, etc. The other from much questioning, searching and release to just being obedient in the end.

The thing I have been thinking about is the ease by which we can let these opportunities come and go (though they are few and far between in most places). Rather than really celebrating the transformation of a persons life. It may be that this has taken place over time. It has been gradual. It has been a bit by bit experience of change. And I am not sure how we do it better, apart from suggesting we do not want to down play the circumstances. We don't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate. Think how the angels in heaven are celebrating.

And from the celebration, continue to encourage and support and come alongside. Allow ourselves to be encouraged too.

But God ...

I think one of the really stand out things in the Christian journey is to see the total transforming of a person's life. Where there can be no doubt that they are very different to what they were pre Christ. Some of the old Salvation Army musicals used to capture this well. The person whose life was absorbed in the consumption of large quantities of alcohol, where it had such a grip on the persons life. How they may even be abusive or aggressive in their language, especially toward someone from the church. Then one day, with no apparent plan in mind, the person hears the Gospel (the Good News, the story of Jesus) and it strikes a chord in their life to something being out of place. And with this they make the move forward desirous to be different, to check out this Jesus character and see how He might impact their life. A complete turn-around on the way life was lived previously.

Paul in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 1: 12-13) talks something of this. In his description of the responsibility he now has, given to him by God, he recalls how that is not who he was. Rather he was one to blaspheme, insolent, a persecutor of God's people, and then the turning point, are you ready for it:

"But God ..."

Yes, we can note that it was an application of mercy, of generosity and application of grace. However, the point is to note the source of this, it was God who interceded. It is God who is active. It is God who instigates the change. "But God ..."

I wonder if we might let this sink in a moment. So that on the next occasion when we are ready to write someone off because their life seems so out of control, we remember who it is can bring about change. We recall who is able to instigate a shift. Who it is transforms lives. I can't. The person themselves is unlikely to be able to do so. "But God ..."