It is that time of year again, when you will all have got, or will soon be getting, your new uniform. Either for GB or school, there always seems to be something that you have grown out of from last year. Actually the ‘Back to School’ posters seem to be put up outside shops the day after you get off for summer!
Have you ever looked back at your old uniform and thought about how short/small you used to be? Above is a picture of our GB Patron Lynda Bryans with her Explorer tunic! In some ways it is hard to believe that we were once that size, but on the other hand it seems to have happened without us noticing :S
Now we want you to think back to when you were that age and think about your relationship with God. You don’t have to think back until when you were Explorer, maybe even at this time last year. Be honest and ask yourself these questions:
- Have I grown in my faith and understanding of God?
- Have I moved away from God?
- Over the last year, have I spent any time with God on a regular basis?
- Have any events happened that have brought me closer to or further from God?
- Have the people I have spent my time with this year pulled me or pushed me from God?
Those are not always very easy questions to answer! Some of you may have come on a lot in a year, while others, if you are honest, feel very distant from God. BUT don’t worry about all these things, because God has not changed one little bit, even since you were wearing those tiny tunics. Like we said a few weeks ago, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ” (Hebrews 13:8)
Need more proof? Re-read this story from Mark 10:13-16 (New International Version):
13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
You may be bigger, but you are still a child of God! He still wants to take you in His arms and bless you! So, at the start of a new GB year, why not set yourself some new year resolutions. Set some time aside every day to talk to God and read His Word. Buy yourself some Bible reading notes or a prayer journal. Sign up for daily Bible reading emails or podcasts. The list could go on and on….
Let us know how you get on in the comments below!
Sarah 