JOY. GROWTH. SACRIFICE. These three distinct characteristics of Christian practice form a tripod, if you will, on which this month's discussion is based.
We all know we like joy. Growth—well, that can be pretty appealing, too, even if it comes with some work. But sacrifice may be a different matter. How many of us can say we really want to give up something pleasurable?
But look a little closer, and you'll see that the cover text this month describes growth and sacrifice as progressive, moving us forward on a journey. A joyful journey. The joy here is authentic. It isn't static, isn't tied to some arbitrary point on a timeline. It's happening as the result of spiritual progress, and taking place all along the way.
