Now that the sale of the building is in its final phase, we need to start looking ahead to moving out. In order to prepare us for our eventual moving day experience I want to make sure we know in advance some of the challenges we will face.

Challenge #1 – CHANGE
Nothing will be the same in the new place. We will have to get used to new parking, seating, lighting. The bathrooms will be different, a new phone number, the list goes on and on. The challenge will be to exercise patience and love while we adapt to the changes that this move will bring.

Challenge #2 – COMPARISON
It will be easy to make comparisons with the old building when we are in the new. The temptation will be to question why we left the old and came to the new. Of course, everything looks better in hindsight. Even the Jews longed to return to their slavery in Egypt when they tired of their journey in the desert. It will require faith to keep our eyes on the future and the potential for growth in the new building rather than idealizing the past and remaining focused there.

Challenge #3 – COST
This move will cost all of us a great deal in time, effort, financial giving and service. Usually a great challenge tends to eliminate those who are less serious about their commitment to Christ. It would help if we realized that discipleship has always required a high cost and this is the moment we will find out who among us is willing to pay it.

I like David’s attitude in this matter when he said, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” II Sam. 24:24 I look forward to “moving day” because I know it is not just about moving to a new location, it is really about moving ahead in Christ.