Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what the NEXT LEVEL looks like in my life and the lives of those I lead. It seems like it’s so easy to just coast – feeling pretty good about where I am, instead of “pressing on toward the mark…” (Philippians 3). So… I’ve been asking those around me – those in my Connect Group, and on staff team with me, and in my family… What is the Next Level? What does it look like? I’m convinced if we don’t have conversation like this, or think about things like this – we’ll die just as we were – I don’t want that. I want to press on…
So… the thing I’ve encountered in my mind, and in discussions has been – what is the Next C? We adhere to a model of spiritual growth that show the steps as: CURIOUS (checking out the whole God thing – but no decision made yet), CONVERTED (when you place your faith in Christ), CHURCHED (when you are a connected part of a body), CRAVING the WORD (when you spend constructive daily time with God), COMPASSION for the LOST (when you are actively pursuing evangelistic opportunities with those around you through relationships), CONSECRATED (when you’re dedicated to God in your life). Now, I realize that none of us have arrived – we all have work do do in most of those areas (and always will) – but what’s the NEXT C? If you know Jesus, you’re committed to His church, in His Word daily, actively engaging the lost around you, and although you may fail at times, you’re dedicated to Him in your life… what’s next?
When I think of this in terms of professional development – does a surgeon – after he’s learned and is proficient in his skills – stop learning? stop growing? I hope not! He spends the rest of his life honing those skills and learning much more about each – more effective ways to accomplish the needed physical improvements. So, in the same way we need to hone our spiritual skills – develop deeper in our love and devotion for His church – find ways to freshen our time in the Word and expand our learning, become more skilled and devoted in evangelism and discipleship, and continue to destroy our desires in order to become engulfed by His.
What does the NEXT C look like for you this year? I’m prayerfully asking God to show me how He want to develop me and those around me to take another step toward being fully devoted followers of Him! Join me in the quest…
