One of the many enjoyable things about being part of the Bowdon community is meeting an endless stream of inspiring people who have achieved, or are in the process of achieving, great things in so many walks of life. Aiming high is intrinsically a part of our community’s DNA, whether in the building of careers, exciting projects, or simply aiming to make a great home.
The Church is in the business of waving the ‘high’ flag from a very different perspective, and when it thinks ‘big picture’, it automatically begins to think very long-term as it seeks to bring heaven and eternity into the frame. Having an eternal perspective offers us the capacity for more perspective, more humility, more comfort and far more inspiration.
CS Lewis once wrote:
“if you read history you’ll find that the Christians who did most for the present world were those who thought most of the next… Aim at heaven, and you’ll get earth thrown in. Aim at earth, and you’ll get neither”.
The apostle Paul thought and wrote similarly:
“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
In November, the church in Bowdon will be fixing its eyes in two directions, seemingly very different but with everything in common in the context of eternity. Looking back, we will remember those who sacrificed all so that we might live, many very young when they died. Looking forward, we will focus on the young in our midst as we launch the vision of a new future for their development and well-being, and seek to appoint a Pioneer Youth Minister. As we focus on both, we will be aiming high in celebrating and drawing inspiration from the God of ‘yesterday, today and forever’!
Revd Canon Phil Potter