We each hit plateaus in life. Each plateau is meant to be temporary. It's not a destination. As I reflect upon my years of ministry, I've come to believe that many, if not a majority of people - including those of us who profess faith - are stranded on a plateau. The Christian faith, in its simplest construction, is that we become Christ-like - that  anyone who observes our life will find a distinct echo of Jesus. Among other things, that means that we'll shed, day by day, the burdens of anxiety, depression, pettiness, insecurity, addictions, gossip, unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, fear and a host of other anti-virtues. Because many of these are so deeply engrained, so natural to us, we find ourselves both unwilling and unable to break through to a better place. These toxic character traits serve neither the good of us nor heaven - let alone the sad mass of humanity with whom we share the planet. It's a big task ahead, but make no mistake - my goal is to chase down joy and to see it spread throughout each member of our fellowship and then to our neighbors. The only thing I ask is that you bring to this new series a humble heart that's willing to change. Great stuff just ahead!