In 1998 a group of workmates came together to plan a four-wheel-drive and camping holiday to Australia’s most northern point, Cape York Peninsula. The months leading up to our excursion involved practical off-road driver training, vehicle maintenance, equipment preparation and research on Cape York’s ‘overland track.’
It was wise to invest in such thorough preparation as the actual holiday to ‘the Cape’ was full of many adventures.
My experience of our off-road adventure then, is not dissimilar to the faith journey today.
For a long time I was a Christian whose weekly routine involved attending church and bible studies. I sat in the pew, sang the songs, gave my offering and took part occasionally when invited. These are all good things. But in reflection, ‘doing’ these things were like preparing for the off-road excursion north without actually leaving the driveway for the adventure itself. Something had to change.
Two things changed my life: One – through a close and honest mentoring relationship I was encouraged to discover and live a life based on friendship with God. Two – my view of Church was from a worldview that I was an individual looking after my stuff who attended a certain church. What was missing was the understanding that the Church was a community of faith filled with God’s love and hope, who ministered to God through worship, one another and society through loving relationships.
Today, I like to think things are different. Then, life was rather static and routine. Today, it’s dynamic. The God I believe in and confess to know is alive in my life and active in the world. God invites me to trust in Him, to not just ‘prepare’ myself for the adventure but to live it out each day wherever I am.
Every adventure has twists and turns, surprises and even obstacles. Every adventure provides a opportunity to live, grow and discover.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11: 28-30 The Message.
I believe Jesus is the God of invitation. What is Jesus inviting you to become after reading this?
See you on the journey.
- Haydn
