“Going”
Colossians 3:1–2, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” NASB 1995
For a brief few hours, Camp Areté was quiet. The tribes were observing a truce, so as participate in a great pilgrimage. Up the great mountain trail they ascended in a caravan that stretched beyond the horizon. Today, they were allies, bound by the common goal of braving the steep and treacherous path to McCamy Lake. Every year they hold a festival in the wilderness on neutral ground. Divided by the political machinations of the leadership team meant to pacify an unruly people (lest they unite and overthrow their benevolent dictators), they are nevertheless unified in their hunger for the words in the Bible and love of food and watersports. The celebration starts with a feast orchestrated by the student leaders, followed by an address and challenge from the Bible given by one of the wise elders. Finally, the lake beckons, and the tribes enjoy the refreshing water. The stout of spirit continue down the path to Benton Falls to admire the natural beauty of pristine mountain water tumbling over stacked plates of multicolored clay. The journey is challenging, but the tribe pressed on with their eyes firmly set on beauty and joy they knew awaited them.
As Christians sometimes set our eyes on the road. Instead of setting our eyes on the end goal, or the One that set us on the path and helps us on the way. We watch our steps and keep our eyes on what we are doing, or maybe we are on the lookout for diversions along the way. Instead of walking heartily, and joyfully, we shuffle along slowly, and distractedly. Occasionally, we cower from the terrors that lurk in the woods, and doubt that we will ever reach the end. The Christian should fix their eyes on Christ instead, and the promise of a heavenly inheritance that we have already received positionally. We know we will reach the end, because Jesus said we will, and no enemy or monster can prevent that. No matter what happens, our hope and faith in the supreme Christ will be rewarded. We fix our eyes far ahead, ignoring all obstacles along the way because Christ is the only thing worthwhile.
Praises
- A number of students are demonstrating qualities of leadership and have been a particular blessing to the camp.
- Our trip to the lake was a time of edification, and fun, without major incidents. The trip was well organized, prepared, and provisioned.
Petitions
- With one full day remaining, we pray the campers would make the best use of the remaining time and also resist the temptation to get into serious trouble as camp comes to a close.
- That the winding down of camp would go as smoothly as the rest of camp has gone thus far.
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