This morning I am invited to reflect on passage from Ephesians 3:14-21 and Romans 12:1-2. The study unit that we are currently exploring considers the nature of our “being" - our characters, attitudes, motives and values. We consider how our "being" affects our “doing", and how our “doing" affects our "being". Who we are and what we do are inevitably connected and one may change the other.
For example, seeing a change in someone's life as a result of an act of kindness or generosity may lead us to reconsider our own attitudes and motivations. If we experience kindness, we may be more likely to be kind ourselves. If this has a beneficial effect, then the act of being kind will reinforce that aspect of our character, and we are likely to be more inclined to repeat that form of kindness.
There is an element of this "beneficial circle of growth" in our faith too; in the nature of our relationship with God. If our devotional life is non-exisent then our relationship with God is unlikely to flourish. But, if we stop to pray, to open ourselves to God, we have the beginnings of a relationship. The more time we spend in prayer, the more likely we are to be able to discern what God's will for us may be. The more in tune with God's purpose for us we are, the more likely we are to develop that relationship; and the more we develop it, the more time we are likely to spend in prayer.
In Romans 12: 1-2 Paul invites us to "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will".
And, in Ephesians 3:14-21 Paul prays the WE may be "strengthened in power through His Spirit in our inner being".
These are not just empty words - they cut to the heart of the transforming power of a relationship with God. It is a relationship that needs time to grow and to develop; time to mature; time for us to understand that it really can change our "being"; and that through changing our "being" it will also change our "doing". And through change comes growth.
Our personal growth as followers of Christ is inextricably linked with our growth as a church. If we are in close relationship with God, then we are more likely to be able to discern His will for us. We are more likely to experience the renewing power of His Spirit; to be strengthened in our discipleship; to mature into more Christ-like people; to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
The real question is - "Do we want to be transformed?"
This is as much a question for us as a church as it is for us as individuals. Are we ready to be strengthened and transformed? Are we ready to be changed? Are we ready to be in relationship with God? Are we ready to fall on our knees and learn to listen, or are we just too afraid of what we may hear?
Is earnest prayer just a little too dangerous? Will it bring us uncomfortably face-to-face with the nature of our "being"? Would we rather just keep "doing" church than "being" church?
Your decision! It's scary stuff this prayer thing! It may change your life.
Nigel Bailey
Notices and Prayer site for St James Road Methodist Church, Southampton.