The Journey (Part 1) - Everyone's Doing it, Are You?

We live in a world of expectations
What are some things that are expected of you (at school, home, friends…)
Answer the following statements: I expect you to…; I expect you not to…

Met expectations lead to praise.
Good job. I’m so proud of you.
Senior year of track – 1:57 in the ½ mile. Our ¼ mile relay team ran a 3:31.
I would love to hear my name over the speaker at school the next day when scores and times were announced. Everyone would pat me on the back…
Failed expectations lead to shame. What’s wrong with you? You can’t do anything. This is so simple, why can’t you get it, are you stupid?

That’s not the way God works. God isn’t about shame. He doesn’t shame you for doing wrong. He doesn’t approve of it, but he doesn’t look down on you for it. That’s not what the journey is about. God says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” But, when you fail, He doesn’t say, “Shame on you.” God loves you. He made you.

The journey is not about achievement or stature.

Your journey is your journey (Repeat after me, “My journey is my journey.”)
Everyone is on a journey – a spiritual journey
No one can make your decisions for you. (Why? Because, it’s not their journey)
No one can force you to believe in something. No one can force you to trust in Christ.

Where are you on your spiritual journey?
Not interested? – That’s great. Get curious.
Curiously Seeking? – That’s great. Start applying yourself.
Assertively Seeking? – That’s great. Find the answer.
Faith Commitment? – That’s great. Learn about your faith (Sunday nights @ 6pm)
Actively following? That’s great. Keep growing.
Growing in Fellowship? That’s great. Start making an impact.
Making an Impact? That’s great. Make a bigger one.

It’s your journey, and you have to take responsibility for it.
Recognize the reality of your spiritual journey.
Recognize where you are on your spiritual journey.
Identify the next step on your spiritual journey.
Take the next step on your spiritual journey.