WRITTEN BY TIM LABRECHE
Throughout 2018, we’ve been relating spiritual growth to physical and personal growth. We have been resolute in our hearts and practices that have made 2018 a great year of growth and maturity in Christ. To be resolute means to be determined, single-minded, unswerving and unwavering as well as many other similar synonyms. That’s how we’ve approached each monthly focus in 2018; resolute to grow and mature in Christ. That has looked different for all of us, but I believe that each one of us has grown in different ways.
In February, we learned that just as food sustains us physically, the Word of God sustains us spiritually. We were encouraged to spend some time in prayer and whole-heartedly ask the Holy Spirit to instill in us the desire to feed daily on His Word.
“It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (John 4:4)
In March, we were reminded that we must maintain a constant attitude of prayer just as we need to breathe. The more we are, the more instinctive communion with our Father in Heaven will be for us and we will be continually setting our minds on heavenly things above, not the things of this world.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
We saw in April that just as good hygiene keeps us clean, the confession of our sins keeps our heart clean. Acknowledging and confessing our sin with an honest, sincere and repentant heart will ALWAYS result in God’s gracious pardon, the removal of guilt and the gift of his ever-present presence.
“Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt, I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” (Psalm 32:5)
Spending dedicated time with other believers, which spurs on spiritual growth, was our focus in May. When time is spent with those who are like-minded in unity with Christ, our hearts are aligned with the Holy Spirit. We treat each other in humility and often will put those whom we love ahead of ourselves.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1-2)
In June, we equated spiritual growth to physical activity. Being the physical hands and feet of Jesus by acts of service to others helps keep us spiritually fit. In the book of John, we saw a hands-on example from our Savior when Jesus served his disciples and washed their feet.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Vitamins, supplements and medicine help keep sickness at bay. In July we learned that similarly, we must prepare and put up a defense against those things that tempt us. His word is our defense. God directs and protects us as we seek Him in prayer and daily Bible reading and quiet times.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
In August, we recognized that at times our physical bodies need to rest. In the same way, our spiritual being needs dedicated times of respite to regain focus and clarity. In John 10:4, it says that the sheep follow their shepherd because they know his voice. That’s what times of solitude are for; they are times of quiet respite for us to hear from our Shepherd.
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10)
Just as we visit the doctor and they keep us accountable for our physical health, we need others in our lives that will keep us accountable in our spiritual lives. In September, we learned that accountability is not a word to be dreaded, but rather it’s a continuous process of keeping each other sharp so that we can grow, avoid the enemy’s traps and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
We saw in October that when we put our budgets together, we must make decisions on where to spend our money. Spiritual growth comes when we realize it’s not our money to spend. Being a good steward is managing God’s blessings, God’s ways for God’s Glory!
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (Psalm 24:1)
Personal Reflection
How has 2018 been for you in these nine areas? Have you been resolute in:
• Making uninterrupted and dedicated time in God’s Word a priority in your life?
• Recognizing that a constant attitude of prayer is essential for drawing close to our Father?
• Confessing to our forgiving God what may be tucked away in the crevices of your heart?
• Pursuing time with others that are one in spirit and of one mind?
• Serving others just as Jesus humbled himself and served His disciples?
• Preparing yourself with a heavenly defense against the enemy’s attacks?
• Making a purposeful effort to rest in the safety of His arms?
• Being held accountable by someone who knows you and will ask you the difficult questions?
• Managing God’s blessings, God’s way, for God’s glory?
Personal Application
Don’t just read through this and whimsically tell yourself you’re doing good. Doing good isn’t good enough. I encourage you to set aside time to be alone and be still. Read through this again and ask the Revealer of Mysteries what areas you need to grow in. When you earnestly seek His direction and guidance, He will answer you with overflow.
