Dear friends
I’m a plant killer.
It’s not intentional. I admire the green-thumbed plant lover surrounded by mists of colour and shades of green.
I’m not a plant hater, believe me, I’m not. I love a blossoming garden, lush, thick forest or an exquisite bunch of flowers as much as the next person. It’s not a malicious dislike for the colour green. I do appreciate having air filled with oxygen.
Don’t get me wrong, there are a few plants in my garden – a kind of survival of the fittest competition, only the toughest, most hardcore survive. I’ve under-watered, overwatered, attended well and unattended. I’ve been filled with both excitement and plant killer guilt (if you are a fellow plant killer, you will know!).
Ultimately the passion is just not there. My plants did not hold me accountable, they just withered and died. They desired attention, encouragement, and support that in the end, I just didn’t provide. My plants have been abandoned for other pursuits.
God has given us all we need to grow to be more and more like Christ. We have been born again; his Spirit lives and works in us; we have his word; and we can come to him in prayer. But we were never meant to do this alone.
A bit of watering here and there is not enough. It the consistent regular time spent in fellowship around God’s word with others which develops close relationships. Accountability and encouragement from others provides opportunities for us to grow. Prayer, care and support from our brother and sisters in Christ is what we need.
This is where Growth Groups can help. In Hebrews we read this: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25 NIV11)
If you are not in a Growth Group, seriously think about joining one for 2021/22. Fill out the online form which you can access through our Sunday Hub (www.trinity.church/brighton).
Have a good week and keep growing.
Jane Finlayson
Ministry Trainee
0430 071 973