I reckon that one of modern life’s constant challenges is to live in a way that recognises the importance of our past and our future as well as what is happening right now. It’s so easy for us to get caught up in the momentary stuff, the day-to-day flurry of activity, that we hardly ever make the time to hit “pause” and reflect on the past or contemplate the future. For Christians, this is a real problem because understanding our past and our future is critical to understanding our identity – who we are “in Christ”.

Consider for a moment two of the most dominant characteristics of the Christian described in the New Testament: gratitude and hope. These two characteristics are meant to mark Christians out from the world and be examples of the life-changing power of the gospel. But how can we develop an attitude of gratitude if we never reflect on the past, and particularly on God’s goodness to us in Christ Jesus? And how can we hold tightly to the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus if we never look forward to the glorious hope that God has prepared for those who love him?

With all this in mind, we’re going to make time in our groups this term to reflect on our past and to contemplate our future, as well as assessing how we’re travelling with God in the here and now. We’ll be hearing from one member of SCPC this Sunday in church about their past present & future and when you grab your term 2 envelope after church, have a flick through your small group booklet and check out Nick & Ange Allen’s story on page 5.

Grow well.