The Kerusso – February | 2022 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Healthy Plants Dig Stable Roots Before Growing Fruits Last month, I introduced a theme word for 2022 .... “GROW.” The 2022 General Conference planning committee has decided to adopt it as a theme for the July Conference in North Carolina. As we see in the logo or image, a fruitful tree will have deep, and strong roots. It’s not optional. It is essential. As Paul instructed the new believers in Colossæ, we must “let [our] roots grow down into him.” Take a minute to fully digest that statement. The “Him” is Jesus - - that’s clear. He is the water; He is the nutrient rich soil. Maybe the most powerful part of the phrase is the word “let.” Apparently, we have a choice. On the one hand, we can act hastily and run quickly, attempting to grow some fruit, but where will the nutrients come from if we do? And how will our tree have the stability to withstand the wind and other forces which will test us to see if our work is in vain - - if our fruit will last. But the right action is to take the time to establish yourself in Christ, or more accurately, LET Him establish Himself in you. Psalm 1 describes a tree that is “planted” by the river, bearing sustainable fruit. As I wrote last month, this planting process ... this growing down action is contingent on intentionality. We have to want the things that Christ wants. “Growing DOWN means aspiring to holiness - - Christlikeness. It means unity. It means love. It means humility. It means preferring others. It means forgiveness. It means purity. It means kindness. It means patience. It means wisdom. It means listening. It means honesty. It means working on character first, rather than working on a press release, or resume. It means seeking the fruit of the Spirit before the gifts of the Spirit.” Newsflash! Those things don’t come naturally. They don’t just happen. They must be targeted and welcomed into a descending life. I say descending to mean a willingness to lower ourselves. We must reject pride, and embrace the same kind of self-emptying that Christ did, described by the Apostle in another letter, this one to the saints at Phillipi. Paul noted that Jesus “... gave up his divine privileges [and] took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor ...” (Philippians 2:7-9 nlt) In the same order we see in the plant analogy, descending has to precede ascending. Thanks for chewing on this concept with me, and thanks for being folks that do more than think about, or talk about holiness. We aspire to it.
A Special Reminder About Ridgecrest Reservations for General Conference: Every month between now and July, you’ll read something about GC2022 at Ridgecrest. This month, we wanted to share information about the children’s ministers who will be conducting “Kid’s Kamp” (see page 2). We also want to draw your attention to the fact that when using the online reservation system, IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE THE DROPDOWN LISTS AT THE TOP OF THE SCREEN TO INDICATE HOW MANY PEOPLE IN WHICH AGE GROUPS ARE IN YOUR RESERVATION. This is how Ridgecrest will have an accurate meal count for the cafeteria, and how you reserve meal tickets for everyone in your party.