Entering the Weekend with Christ

Hi everyone,

I pray everyone enjoyed a peace-filled Christmas as we all prepare to enter 2025.  This Sunday's Scripture readings remind us that just as Samuel and Jesus grew in wisdom and favor with God and humankind, we too are called to a lifelong journey of learning and spiritual development, embracing a growth mindset and learning that our faith journey is one of "not yet".  Below is a cartoon I have used for over a  decade to promote Carol Dweck's "Growth Mindset" concept!

Pastor Tim

"God has led you to the desert, and spoken to your Heart."

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church

3546 E. Thomas Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-956-1620 office

Growing in Wisdom and Favor

Dear Siblings in Christ, 

The readings for this Sunday paint a beautiful picture of growth – physical, intellectual, and spiritual. We encounter the young Samuel, dedicated to God's service, diligently learning and growing in the temple. We see Jesus, the 12-year-old boy, astounding the teachers in the temple with his understanding and questions. These stories, coupled with Paul's letter to the Colossians, offer us a roadmap for our own journey of faith and learning.

1. The Eager Learner (1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26):

• Samuel's story highlights the importance of a conducive environment for growth. His mother Hannah dedicated him to the Lord, entrusting him to the care of Eli the priest.
• Though surrounded by the corruption of Eli's sons, Samuel flourished. He was a dedicated learner, serving in the temple and growing in favor with God and man.
• This teaches us the importance of seeking environments that nurture our spiritual growth – supportive communities, mentors, and engagement with Scripture.

2. The Curious Inquirer (Luke 2:41-52):

• Jesus' encounter in the temple reveals his deep thirst for knowledge and understanding.
• He wasn't passively receiving information; he was actively engaging, asking questions, and amazing the teachers with his insights.
• This reminds us that faith and learning go hand in hand. We should never stop asking questions, seeking deeper understanding, and engaging with our faith intellectually.

3. Clothing Ourselves in Growth (Colossians 3:12-17):

• Paul urges us to "clothe ourselves" with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. This requires continuous cultivation and growth.
• He emphasizes forgiveness and gratitude as essential elements of growth.
• We are reminded that spiritual growth is not just about intellectual understanding but also about character development and cultivating a Christ-like spirit.

Growth Mindset Learning:

• The stories of Samuel and Jesus exemplify a growth mindset – a belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
• This mindset ¹ is crucial for our spiritual journey. It encourages us to embrace challenges, learn from our mistakes, and persist in our pursuit of growth.