Moment by Moment

Moment by Moment

It is interesting to consider the different seasons we experience throughout life. I have thought about this for most of my life, but lately I have begun to realize that we usually define our seasons by the big things: getting married, having and raising children, changing jobs, moving, retiring, or experiencing other major life transitions.

We don't often think about seasons in terms of character development—the ways we are growing and changing within them.

I can already hear the response of people I talk with regularly: "Pastor Dan, you're going way too deep."

Well, humor me for a moment, because I think far too often we don't go deep enough.

Peter writes:
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."  - 2 Peter 3:18

Peter is clear: we are to grow. That requires us to reflect on what is happening within us. Why did I respond that way? Why did I say that? Why did that situation affect me so deeply?

When we are unwilling to go deeper, I believe we hurt ourselves in several ways. Sometimes we never ask those questions at all. Other times we ask them but don't really seek an answer that will help us grow. Instead, we look for an explanation that excuses our response or covers the flaw that caused it in the first place.  And then there is an even deeper level of growth, becoming vulnerable enough to ask someone else what they see in us.

My wife has been one of the greatest sources of growth in my life next to Jesus. But let me add an important caveat here. When I talk about inviting feedback, I don't mean asking just anyone. I certainly don't mean turning to social media, Google, AI, or ChatGPT for an assessment of your character.  I mean trusted friends and family, people who truly know you and whom you know have your best interests at heart.

I'm not writing this as an in-depth Bible study, but I do want us to notice two things in Peter's words.

First, growth requires intention. We need an awareness of our surroundings and of the pressure points in our lives:  the situations, weaknesses, and challenges that reveal how we respond.

Second, Peter points us toward the source of true growth: Jesus Christ.

Scripture continually shows us the difference between responding to life's challenges with the wisdom of God and responding without Him. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes alone give us countless snapshots of where those different paths can lead.

And that brings me back to the seasons of life.  The seasons may look like the big things, but I believe they become joyful and adventurous when the season itself is not our primary focus.

The moments are what make the seasons vibrant and full of life.

A season provides the setting, but the moments tell the story.  It is in those moments that character is formed. It is in a difficult conversation when we choose grace instead of anger. It is in a disappointment when we choose faith instead of despair. It is in a failure when we become willing to ask, "Lord, what are You teaching me?" And sometimes it is in an ordinary moment when we recognize just how much Jesus has already changed us.

When those moments become opportunities for growth (even the failures, mistakes, and mishaps) each season prepares us for the next. We can move forward with joy, hope for what lies ahead, and strength in Christ for the moments still waiting to be experienced.

Rose Kennedy once said, "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."

C.S. Lewis expressed a similar thought: "This moment contains all moments."

I have often said that when you have faith in Christ, there is hope in every situation regardless of the outcome. Within that hope is a strength that can turn obstacles into opportunities. And opportunities are simply moments of growth.

We don't know how many moments we will be given in this life. So I encourage you: don't wait for the next season to begin. Don't wait for the next milestone to arrive.

Pay attention to what Jesus is doing in you right now.

With His help, make this moment a life-changing moment.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Dan