There is a certain romance about steam travel, and some of us would remember those steam train journeys. Numbered carriages waiting for you to board with the engine at the front venting steam with pistons at the ready! One such train was the ‘Spirit of Progress’ which travelled between Melbourne and Albury. The engine was streamlined with blue and yellow livery as were the carriages and lounge car at the end. A train fitted out with beautiful timber and leather upholstery, not to mention the classic dining car… luxury travel complete!

The departure bell would ring, then with incredible smoothness the train would gradually start to move, quickly picking up speed. This steam train could reach speeds in excess of 130 km/per hr.

Those long-distance train trips provide a progressive vista of passing scenery, and we feel the exhilaration of travel. I see a parallel here with our Christian lives which are not meant to be static, but which also cause us to experience progress.

This does not mean we have to be constantly jet setting around the world and enjoying ocean cruises, nice as that might be. The important aspect is to be moving forward in God’s plan.

God’s will is to keep our relationship with Jesus developing. Our progress should of course include personal enjoyment and a variety of different experiences. But through it all God is at work changing us and conforming us into the likeness of his Son.

Ref. Rom. 8:29 NIV.