We have been experiencing pinhole leaks in our water pipes ever since we moved into our house nine years ago. These are tiny little leaks in the pipes where the copper has corroded all the way through, and a fine spray of water begins to wet our basement or floor or wherever the leak may occur. Recently the frequency of our pipes springing new leaks has increased. After changing pipe after pipe and cleaning up puddle after puddle, we began digging deeper into the source of the corroding pipes. One theory was that electrolysis was causing the pipes to corrode at an accelerated rate. This could possibly happen if the pipes were not properly grounded.

Upon inspection, the electrician said the pipes are not grounded at all. How could this house have passed inspection? How could it have been built this way? He said that without being ground the whole house was "floating". He proceeded to properly ground the pipes, and now we will wait and see if this affects our corrosion problem and our many leaks.

We use the term well-grounded fairly often. We understand the term and its implication. Whether it's being well-grounded physically with a firm foundation, or whether it's well-grounded electrically completing the circuit, we understand it provides stability and safety. The scripture says without a firm foundation we will be tossed back and forth by the waves of the latest teaching or the lies of others (Ephesians 4:14). It was interesting to me that the election used the word "floating", which immediately reminded me of this verse. A portion of the infrastructure of our house lacked a firm foundation, and therefore was floating and vulnerable to whatever current came its way.

We have been living in this house for nine years. We have never felt or noticed there was anything wrong beneath the surface. Yet, the consequences continue to reveal themselves: a pinhole leak here, another one there. Eventually you have to look at the cause. What is not right with our foundation? In this case, our house was not well-grounded.

We can always spend a great amount of time and energy looking for the cause and problem behind every single circumstance or problem we experience. I don't feel this is a very productive or beneficial way to approach life. However, when a pattern persists, and the reason is not obvious, then it is wisdom to start digging deeper. What is not right in our foundation? Where are we not well-grounded? Where are we just floating, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to the waves of false teachings and lies? A problem is one thing, a pattern of the same problem repeated over and over should cause us to start asking the deeper questions.

Freedom. Think of true, genuine freedom. Our mind fills with words like limitless, boundless, ease, or even peace. Now picture an image of true, genuine freedom. What do you see? A child dancing through a field of wildflowers, a set of broken chains and shackles, an eagle soaring on invisible wind?

Self-control. What thoughts and images come to mind? Pushing away a plate of desert, turning your gaze away from what you really want to look at, choking back the words that are trying to squeeze their way out. In many ways, freedom and self-control seemed quite opposite. The very words we use to describe freedom (limitless and boundless) are the exact opposite that we use to describe self-control (limits, bounds). One definition of freedom is "the power to determine action without restraint", while self-control is all about restraint.

Here's the dilemma: The Scripture says it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. That is, upon setting us free Christ desires that we are to remain and live in freedom. The Scriptures also say that one of the fruit (or results) of a life in Christ is self-control. If self-control is restraint, and freedom is the absence of restraint, how do these fit together? Do they even fit together?

this Sunday I will take one more look at our year verse. "Of the increase of his government..." Is that government one of freedom or control? Is the fruit of God's kingdom self-control or liberty? What is the inter-relationship between societal freedom and personal restraint? Can we honestly be called to self-control and expect freedom? Is this religious jargon or can we effect the environments of our lives?

Ponder these questions and other ones that may come to mind, and we'll wrestle with them together on Sunday.

God's peace,

Pastor Wesley

p.s. - Here is another definition of freedom: "exemption from external control, regulation, or interference."

It is a delight to announce to you that Wellspring has hired Andrew Springman. He will be a full-time employee wearing two part-time hats. The first hat is Director of Technology and Production where Andrew will oversee all the technical aspects of our operation and activities. This will include the continued development and support of our website, database, and network of computers. For years Andrew has been assisting as a volunteer (most recently building our new website -- check it out) and now we will have the benefit of his full-time focus. This hat is also responsible for the production aspect of our ministries. This includes overseeing sound system, screens, pro-presenter, sound techs, training, and all the rest of what is included for the behind the scenes technical operation of our services and events.

The second hat that Andrew will wear is Director of Worship Life. Here he will be a support to all of our worship bands and musicians. Wellspring has a very large assembly of bands and individuals throughout all our ministries who help lead us in worship. In this role, Andrew will coordinate, oversee schedules, look for opportunities for training and developing leaders, and interface with pastors and ministry leaders to increase our breadth and depth of worship expression.

The reality is Andrew has been assisting in all of these areas since the day he began attending Wellspring with his wife Kimberly and sons Christopher and Ben many years ago. His servants heart and desire to advance the ministry of Wellspring have made him an invaluable resource to me and the whole ministry. The opportunity to have Andrew's dedicated time focused on supporting and further developing these two substantial areas of Wellspring is a great gift. Please welcome Andrew, thank him for his servants heart and years of service, and encourage him as he steps more fully into these areas of ministry.

Andrew, you are the (Spring)man!