Within the last two years I have learned so much. The countless times Pastor has told me that there are things He constantly reminds me of that have become second nature to Him (in encouragement) and slowly but surely I do my best to get them and then forget about them until one day I'll be walking a volunteer through something and I'll think "HEY WAIT A SECOND, PASTOR TOLD ME THAT" but I wont even have to think about it anymore (well not actively anyways).
I am so thankful for my time at Journey Church over the last 2 and a half years. I have been forced out of my fears, negative tendencies, bad attitude, etc. Not that I dont slip back sometimes, but thanks to Pastor Michael, Pastor John, and my teammates I've been able to make mistakes, fall on my sword, adjust, feel the pain of loss, joys of success (best Christmas EVER!!! :D) man up and get my butt ripped (miss it Pastor), and learn about the Grace of God. AND THAT'S THE BIGGEST LIFE CHANGER. Understanding Grace.
Understanding God's massive room for mistakes and even blessings on top of that when we're walking that line He's set before us, because believe you me, I've made mistakes, and God's not given up on me. He IS that loving Father we all dream about hugging us and telling us He loves us unconditionally. Sometimes it's just on His terms, He is God after all. :)
Back to my first point though. It's been 2.5 years at Journey Church, and amidst all the learning, mistakes, doubt, discouragement, fun, joy it would have been another 2.5 years without 2 things:
1. Mentors that Mentor - don't mince words and get confrontational when needed
2. Law of Process - Meaning consistent learning/challenge
You know this is convicting as I write it, because the men who have spoken into my life don't wake up and go if Scott asks for a challenge today I'll give it to Him, they are men of the word, integrity, and the cajones to do whats needed. Im convicted because my excuse for not being more like that myself is fear. Fear of being wrong, Fear of being misunderstood, Fear of not being liked. And seeing other men around me that need a challenge or even a rebuke (like I often do) I give into this fear.
I have to repent because just like I need other men, I know that I need to be that to other men, and that means standing up and being a man. Honestly, I still need freedom in this, I don't have my breakthrough yet, but I'm not going to give up.
Still I wouldn't even be here without those two things, so here's a question or two for you.
Are you being mentored? (have you asked for it)
If so, are they blowing your precepts away or blowing smoke up your butt? Even good intentioned mentors or meetings can just hinder. If thats the case then can YOU step up and create the atmosphere for change? For a long time I just sat knowing my meeting time (years ago) was ineffective, but I couldn't say what was hard to hear.
Are you applying the law of process?
Meaning, are you reading books consistently to strengthen your weaknesses and reinforce your strengths? Day after day are you working toward a goal? Even if its minute steps... the law of process is the only thing that will lead to significant change apart from God's radical transformation.
As I continue to do these things myself I can only imagine what lies in store. I can never achieve or succeed (on any meaningful level) apart from Christ, but with the Christ in me I am an overcomer, a son, a disciple, heir, messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank You Jesus! God please continue to transform me. Make me like you, and bless the men in my life who want that as well.
