24 Aug Kairos Impact | A Season of Humility

I came into Kairos with almost no expectations. Truthfully speaking, it was because I didn’t think Kairos would impact me very much. I was extremely prideful. I thought I knew myself well and that I was already pretty self aware. I also took pride in the fact that I was one of the few interns who had attended Grace Church longer than just my college career. I thought that I would have nothing to learn. I mean, I’ve been a part of Grace for four years and because of this, I determined that I pretty much knew everything that Kairos would teach me. But, boy was I wrong. I have learned more in the past ten weeks than I could ever have imagined.

Kairos has been a season of humility. As I received clarity about God, His church, and myself, I was continuously being humbled. I gained a clearer depiction of the gospel–one that reminded me that my self-righteousness is just as sinful and corrupt as self-indulgence. It illuminated the fact that no matter how hard I work, I will never be self-reliant. I am not partially dependent; I am fully dependent upon God.

It isn’t about doing what I like or being comfortable. Serving isn’t about me. It is about using the gifts, abilities, and energy God gave me to fill the needs of the church.

 
I also learned to view serving through a clearer lens. Until this summer, serving in the local church has been something that I did for fun. I have been serving in Student Ministry as a small group leader, which has been comfortable for me. I chose to serve in that capacity because it is fun and because I know I can connect well with students. But, I also chose it because I loved student ministry when I was in it and couldn’t bear to leave it. Don’t get me wrong, there is a piece of this that is good. I do think that God intended for me to be a part of student ministry. I’m a relational person who gains lots of energy from people. But that isn’t what serving is completely about. It isn’t about doing what I like or being comfortable. Serving isn’t about me. It is about using the gifts, abilities, and energy God gave me to fill the needs of the church. I do think I’m using my gifts well by serving in student ministry, but God also gave me some musical abilities that I haven’t been using to serve the church. So even though I don’t love being on stage, I have realized that I have to get over my fears because serving is something much bigger than me. It’s about obeying God and using the gifts God has given me to fill the needs of the local church.

I also gained clarity on who I am this summer. My sin, weaknesses, and strengths were exposed. I was humbled and stretched and developed by people who care about me and are committed to truth and authenticity. Kairos provided a community of believers who loved me enough to challenge me. They loved me enough to warn me when my most redeeming strength was becoming a debilitating weakness. They helped me decipher my intentions and desires and to humble me in order for me to remember the gospel. I don’t have to worry about failing or disappointing others when I’m not self-reliant. I don’t have to worry about anything when I humble myself before the cross daily and am fully dependent on God.

I don’t have to worry about failing or disappointing others when I’m not self-reliant. I don’t have to worry about anything when I humble myself before the cross daily and am fully dependent on God.

 
Kairos is an opportunity for you to be a part of something that is bigger than yourself. It is an opportunity for you to serve the local church and be a part of a body of believers who are all on mission together. It is a season of coming under authority and being poured into. It is a time where you will be trained and developed through your strengths and weaknesses so that you are better equipped for the next season of your life. It is a season where pride is beaten down and character is strengthened. Kairos is an experience that is unlike any other. You won’t walk away unchanged.

-Hayley Cheek, Kairos 2016 Summer Intern