This morning we start a new series in CCV themed around this idea of returning that we are walking through at the moment. I’m glad that we are now in a season where it feels like restrictions are easing and whatever the new normal will be is coming into view. The big question we need to ask though is

What are we returning to?

When it comes to the church I have seen two broad trends being to happen. Neither of them bad in and of themselves but neither of them helpful if pursued on their own.

The first trend I have watched is a move towards the ‘inner life.’ Because gatherings and more corporate moments have not been possible people have focused on the inner disciplines. This of course is a vital part of a relationship with Jesus but alongside this trend I have watched a move away from any desire to gather, any desire to make room for others and in many occasions a move away from a missional life. Whilst I agree that not being able to be with others has put a focus on ‘our’ relationship with Jesus we can’t ever depart from the fact that for Jesus it was never just about a ‘personal’ relationship where we were the mission alone.

The other trend I have watched is a move towards watching for revival. Because we have seen such turmoil in our world and the rapid changing of culture many believe that these are the conditions for a fresh move of God and a revival – I agree with them. However, we must be careful that we don’t turn into ‘revival chasers’ who are always looking ahead to what might be coming and miss what God is doing amongst us right now. As much as I am excited to be a part of any sustained move of God we have to be careful we don’t get our motivations mixed up.

If our goal is the ‘inward life’ or ‘revival’ we will miss it because the goal is way too low – the only goal we need to have is Jesus

I know that this is the classic Sunday School answer but it is so true. If we follow after Jesus and seek to imitate His life guess what? We get both the inner disciplines we need to survive but we will also get to experience the revivals and moves of God. When we follow Jesus we can enjoy those corporate moments of outpouring and those inner moments of stillness. Jesus is always the answer here and the churches who return to this as their centre will surely be the ones who thrive in this next season.