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The September Surge: Prioritizing Spiritual Growth Amidst the Busyness
Mike Fisk / September 1, 2023
With September's arrival, there's an unmistakable buzz in the air. Kids put on their new backpacks, excitedly (or begrudgingly) embracing the new school year. The sounds (and smells) of sports overwhelm our evenings, and our families find themselves adjusting to the rhythms of busier schedules. Yet, while this month brings on the onset of tons of activities and commitments, it also offers us a moment for reflection – September is an opportunity to prioritize our spiritual journey in the middle of the busyness.
While school achievements, athletic success, and a massive list of commitments are important, our growth towards Christlikeness remains supreme. And as we navigate the complexities of modern life, our Life Group ministry is a beacon, reminding us of the importance of working together to grow.
September might be frantic, but an important question needs to be asked: In the middle of our packed calendars, are we scheduling time for what truly matters?
Why Life Groups Matter More Now Than Ever
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A Break from the Rush: As September speeds by, life groups offer a time to slow down—a place where we can pause, breathe, and reconnect with our spiritual community. They remind us that while worldly things have their place, our souls need to be reminded of the Gospel and the fellowship of believers.
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A Place for Growth in the Middle of Chaos: Life can feel like a whirlwind, with countless responsibilities to juggle and expectations to meet. Yet, in the middle of all this, life groups serve as a gauge, helping us prioritize our growth into Christlikenss. Here, where we pray together and study God’s word together, we're reminded to abide in Christ, and to look to him to provide us with love, patience, and kindness, even in the face of September's challenges.
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A Space for Accountability: When schedules are tight, spiritual practices often take a backseat. Regular life group meetings provide a place for accountability. They help us to not only maintain but deepen our spiritual disciplines, helping us to have an ever deepening relationship with Christ.
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Strengthening our Faith: The pressures of the new school year, the demands of sports, and all our other commitments can sometimes be overwhelming. Through life groups, we can build up the strength of faith that we need to navigate these challenges. They serve to remind us that through Christ, no challenge is insurmountable.
As the September frenzy gets underway, let's make the choice to value our spiritual growth over the endless list of commitments. Let's recognize that while our calendars might be jam packed, our spirit needs nourishing too. We can find that nourishment through fellowship with other believers, sharing our struggles, studying God’s word, and growing together in life groups.
As school buses start their engines and the football field comes alive, let's also reignite our commitment to spiritual growth. Let's use life groups not as an additional commitment but as an essential one—a space where, in the middle of the September craziness, we anchor ourselves in the transformative power of the Gospel.
As Colossians 2:6-7 says, "as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." As the new season begins, let's root ourselves in Christ, and let's use life groups as the fertile soil that nurtures this growth.
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