Traditionally, the end of the year calls for reflection on “yesterday living”. Hopefully, such reflection, which calls for frankness and honesty, might help some of us make productive adjustments in our daily walk. These changes are commonly known as New Year’s Resolutions. Some are sincere in their efforts to improve, while others seem to have good intentions, but nothing productive is forthcoming. Such half-hearted efforts may be the norm of some regarding secular activities, but such efforts are very dangerous in the spiritual realm, for spiritual progress involves matters of the soul. Being truthful concerning one’s spirituality is crucial, for improvement requires attentiveness to seeing, understanding, and obeying God’s expectations.
The Hebrew penman, encouraged Christians to move beyond “…the elementary principles of Christ” and “…go on to perfection…” (Heb. 6:1). From this text, Saints learn advancing in God’s word is eternally beneficial. Not forgetting the basics, but building upon them. Today, this admonition is certainly applicable, for Disciples of Christ must see and accept God’s desires for extending their spiritual reach.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the brethren at Colossi, declared, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col. 1:9). To be filled with His knowledge and spiritual understanding, Christians must have effective study habits (2 Tim. 2:15), “…for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). His Word will strengthen, settle, and empower us in our soldiering for Jesus.
Furthermore, Paul instructed brethren to strive for spiritual maturity. He taught them to “…no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Christ Jesus, who is the head” (Eph. 4:14-15). It takes time for children to grow-up and understand parental expectations. In like manner, Christians must move decisively to grow spiritually everyday. Remaining in a stalled, stagnate mode is contrary to the will of God.
The Hebrew penman, spoke of the danger we face when we ignore God’s commands: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Heb. 2:1). Drifting from God is a slow process. Little by little, day by day, less attention is given to the pursuit of God’s will. Soon, without a determined spiritual growth plan, our lives will be like slow leaking tires.
Whether or not we grow spiritually depends on our level of commitment to the cause of Christ. Rather than procrastination, which could lead to drifting, why not implement a daily spiritual-growth schedule plan for 2020? This type of effort will bring much needed prayer, song and study to the forefront of our lives.
Why wait? Act now, while the thought for improvement is at hand!