Spiritual formation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

Stepping onto the Central Christian College campus for the first time reminds me of some other monumental “firsts” in my life.  I remember the first time I went white water rafting, the first time I flew in an airplane, and the first time I ate raw oysters.  Some of these “firsts” gave me a desire to experience more.  Some did not (frankly, oysters are not that tasty).
One of my favorite “firsts” is definitely the first time I rode my bicycle by myself.  It took a lot of practice and a lot of falls, but I eventually got the hang of it.  I remember how I pulled my bicycle up next to a picnic table using it as a step to push off from over and over again.  I can remember falling down so many times that I was sure I would never be able to ride by myself.
I have some good news.  I can now ride my bicycle without any trouble at all.  Looking back at the learning process, I am so glad that I took the time and effort to persevere.  Had I decided that putting effort into riding my bike was not something to which I should dedicate energy, I am sure that I would not be able to ride today; in turn, I would have missed out on some meaningful times with friends and family which shaped some of who I am.
As we live out the 2011-2012 school year together here at Central Christian College, I encourage you to get rid of the things that are holding you back from becoming who God has made you to become.  Get rid of things that do not help you to grow and mature.
In the theme verse for this school year, 2 Corinthians 5:17, we see how God has already made us new just by placing our faith in Him.  God has made it possible for us to be who He made us to be.  In God, we are indeed “New Creatures”.  Central Christian College is very purposeful in offering you an environment to learn about God and about yourself.  Take this opportunity and put in the effort that is necessary to make the most of it.   Persevere and God will use these years to shape you into who He has planned for you to be.

Justin Mourn
Director of Spiritual Formation and Experiential Learning