I have always appreciated a great challenge and I’ve succeeded at more than a few over my lifetime. Oh, but I’m not finished. There’s always room for improvement. Right?
The Good and Beautiful series written by James Bryan Smith provided my most recent life challenge, and he really speaks my language! His books are filled with valuable, life-changing challenges as well as “Soul Training” exercises to help us implement what we’ve learned.
Fifteen friends joined me as I facilitated this study. We learned together. We laughed and cried together. We questioned things. We dismantled false narratives and gained new truths. Our minds were stretched as we reflected on scripture. I dare say it was a life-changing experience for each of us and one that left me determined to succeed in my role as an “apprentice” of Jesus Christ. That’s how Smith refers to believers. We are apprentices.
In his first book, Smith encouraged us to fall in love with “the God Jesus knows.” Oh, how I love that phrase. It’s deep and gives a fresh perspective to who God really is. Early on, I chose a new personal mantra based on Smith’s phrase; a mantra I shared with my group and reflected on throughout the study. Check it out…
I’m making changes to the ME I know, based on the GOD Jesus knows!
How is my God different when I consider who He is from Jesus’ perspective? How can I be changed by seeing God through the eyes of His one and only Son, Jesus? What must I do to become a better apprentice to Jesus?
Remember…I love a great challenge. I especially love to be encouraged to grow in my personal relationship with my Creator. Smith’s series did that for me. Perhaps it will for you, as well. Check out the titles and subtitles here:
The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love With the God Jesus Knows
The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ
The Good and Beautiful Community: Following the Spirit, Extending Grace, Demonstrating Love
At the end of his third book, we were challenged to develop a personal soul training planner while maintaining a balance focusing on our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. To get started, I chose to revisit those exercises. They were all good, but what was best for me right now? What should I choose? What fits my season of life?
I prayed as I read and reread each one. This was important. As Christians, we can become so involved in serving others that we neglect self-care. We can also be so focused on worship that we forget to reach out to others. To maintain balance is best. God, Others, and Self. What did I choose? Well, that may come in a later blog post.
Interestingly, as I was writing this today, I discovered a fourth book. Our group will soon delve into this new title: The Good and Beautiful You: Discovering the Person Jesus Created You to Be. Sounds intriguing to me. Does it to you?
Who was I created to be? Am I using my gifts wisely? Am I accepting the calling God has placed on my life or am I running from it? More self-discovery is on the horizon, and that’s okay. Bring it! I love a great challenge!
I highly recommend this series. If you seek spiritual growth and want to be stretched in your faith, read it. I challenge you!
My friends and I appreciated Smith’s encouragement to grow in our relationships with the Lord and his enthusiastic perspective on spiritual formation. James Bryan Smith is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas (not far from where I live) and serves as the director of their Christian Spiritual Formation Institute. For more information, visit www.apprenticeinstitute.org. You’ll be glad you did!
Blessings,
Elaine
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