2022_12_12 Insight Post- Kim Feld

It still amazes me that God would choose me to be His child. It is overwhelming to think that He knows everything about me – things that I may believe I’ve hidden from others – and loves me despite it. God knows when my words convey one thing, but I’m saying something different in my mind and heart. He knows when I’m being completely genuine and when I’m faking my way. Nothing gets past Him.

I’ve been fortunate to have many people who have set an example for me to follow. I can name people at each stage of my life who have provided a picture of what living for Jesus looks like. I am incredibly blessed in that regard. I’ve known many people who not only “talked the talk,” they lived it out. Colossians 3 gives us a vivid picture of what that looks like in a community. Let’s take a look:

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

 ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

One of my most recent influencers is Jim Morgans. Since 2007, I’ve been blessed to work with him. Jim was the director of our before and after care program and summer camp until he transitioned just a couple of years ago to work in pastoral care. He has blessed those around him and served well in every area he has worked at New Hope. When I read Paul’s words describing how we should operate as “God’s chosen people,” I immediately thought of Jim. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are all words that I would use to describe him. Jim will be retiring at the end of this year and relocating to Smith Mountain Lake with his wife, Debbie. Although I am happy and excited for the next chapter for Jim, I’m grieving the loss of day-to-day connection with a dear friend and co-laborer who has significantly impacted my life and faith.

I want to leave us with two thoughts today:

*Do you have anyone in your life who shows you a consistent picture of Jesus by how they live their life?

*Are you that person for someone else?

We have work to do if the answer is no to either of these questions. We were chosen by God to be His and to live out our faith within a community with others. Are you connected to a group of believers who can challenge and help you grow? Are you challenging and helping someone else grow in their faith?

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach