My thinking seems increasingly flat (clearly), but in the midst of this I nonetheless find Ephesians 3:20 to be an encouragement - because it pulls my imagination beyond my immediate circumstances toward what might be, or will be.
14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
As we continue to meet virtually in small groups, for virtual forums, and as we work with graduating seniors for their transition to the workplace, we’ve all realized our need to work more at imagining what our lives should look like. Our work ought to be understood through the lens of our faith. How we interact with our family and neighbors ought to be informed by the mystery of having put on a new nature in Christ. How we think about New York City after this ought to be rooted in our understanding of God’s redemptive plan for this world.
I use the word “ought” because it is so directly linked to our imagination. Not much in this world is what it ought to be, but that’s why the church is here. In the community groups and events and Network-building we pursue in New York, we do this because God has imagined things to be much different than they currently are. And He calls us to expand our knowledge and imaginations in knowing Him and what He has called us to. Verse 20 is a challenge for us to grow in our ability to ask and think, not to be complacent. I hope you’ll continue to imagine with me the possibilities of being redemptive in this city. Zoom calls and all.
The dog blinked first.
Scott Crosby
Ministry Director
Christian Union New York
Christian Union DC
For more information on New York City Christian Union Bible Courses and activities, or resources available to you please contact Scott Crosby.
Please note: if you would like to receive regular updates, via email, on how to pray for City Christian Union, please email prayer@christianunion.org.
