When I graduated from Asbury College back in 1991, I managed--with God's help--to accomplish something that probably didn't happen everyday.  For someone who for their high school career managed a C grade point average, I graduated college at about 32 years old with a 4.0 GPA (and this was while having worked just about full-time at the same time as going to school).  Needless to say, I walked across the stage very proud of my gold cord.  At the same time, I knew that where I was headed--pastoral ministry--I would probably never be asked what my GPA was.  So, it didn't really matter to anyone but me.  That being said, there were some who took notice of the accomplishment and couldn't wait to ask me what all I'd learned in college--with that kind of academic achievement.  My answer has been the same since that day: What I learned in college was the reality that ... I still have much to learn! ...

I believe that was a healthy attitude then; and, I believe that's still a healthy attitude today.  All followers of Christ should take the same attitude.  Once justified (salvation), we move on to the process of sanctification--becoming more and more like Christ.  I don't know if I've ever known anyone to be totally sanctified in this life--some close, but just not sure of complete sanctification.  It's a process--a process of one baby step at a time, learning about how much we still have to learn, and becoming more and more like the Master that we follow ... in the process.

Learning in the church--Intentional Faith Development--is one of the 5 practices of fruitful congregations that Bishop Schnase talks about in his book of the same title.  It is one of the 'intentional' purposes of growing, healthy churches.  Learning needs to be a lifelong endeavor.  And, there should be no exceptions in the church.  Everyone is in need of continual growth in their faith--their walk with God.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions."  Thank God for that!  I never want to go back to where I've been.  I appreciate all of the learning that my years have afforded me.  And, I thank God for the opportunities that I have had ... and for the continued opportunities that I do have to continue to learn ... to be more and more like Jesus.  When I study Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings, my mind is definitely stretched.  And, I truly believe that I will never be the same.  Once challenged by the very presence of Christ in my life, I have to change--a metamorphosis into a new Rom--one that is more like Christ!

Intentional Faith Development...  We all need to be about 'change'--growing in our faith--as if we mean it!  I have learned the reality of ... how much I still have to learn.  How about you?

Until next week, Rom