The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 4)

     The word surrender carries for many of us such a negative connotation as it elicits negative thoughts and feelings of failure and or inadequacy, and thus is not something we truly desire. Even from childhood, the memories of surrender, for me, whether it was a game of  Cowboys and Indians, Super friends or baseball, I never wanted to be the one nor amongst the group that gave in, conceded defeat, i.e. surrendered. For, it forces the acknowledgement that we could not get the job done, nor done alone.

      This is the case with surrendering to Christ, for we must accept, I cannot do it alone, and admit and concede, how much we truly need HIM. In our world that promotes, glamorizes, and in many cases, idolizes the self-made man or woman, the devil attempts to convince us, I can do anything on my own and I need no one. I will be the next great success story, with no assistance from anyone, not even GOD. This, truly is one of the worst lies the devil uses on us to bring about our demise.

   True surrender should bring about the acceptance of and elicit joy from the realization; my strength comes from GOD, GOD the Fathers word, Jesus GOD the sons sacrifice and GOD the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within us. Not from relying upon self: our efforts, nor from trusting our thoughts or feelings. Trusting in, relying upon, and obeying GOD, in all situations and circumstances, come what may, is the only way. Equally important is HIS promise HE will never forsake, mislead, nor stop loving us. HE will strengthen us to do all HE has called us to do and will never place upon us more than we can handle without HIM.

     Far too many of us have been conditioned to believe the myths of society; we have placed our self worth in our materialistic possessions, or our appearance, and not in who we are called to be in Christ. Our focus is on the next gratifying social activity or thing we can purchase at the mall. Not in service for GOD’S glory, nor daily reading of or application of the bible, and definitely not in prayer seeking GOD’S direction and will for our lives. For if the later alone was the case, many of us would not even be in the occupations we have as they are merely a means to an end; money to purchase that which we want and or pay bills to survive.

      When if we knew and believed the word of GOD, “But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and HIS righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matthew 6:33)  If we would only seek GOD, not only would we have a different mindset, subsequent approach to life and the meaning of our existence, walk in obedience filled with the Holy Spirit, we would be abundantly blessed. Not struggling from paycheck to paycheck, determining our self-worth by the barometer of someone else’s bank account statements and possessions, nor seeking approval from certain individuals that GOD does not want in our lives anyway.

      Sincere heartfelt confession at the time of surrender and commitment to living accordingly, indefinitely, are mandatory.  Yes being human, we shall stray, but we must repent and return to a life void of intentional sin. Full surrender and obedience to Christ our Lord and Savior, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the only way to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 3)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 3)

      Before I go any further, this segment is not intending to slander, any one Church, Preacher, or Minister, but this segment shall point out issues of  concern that in general are experienced. I will be pointing out, what I have over the years experienced, witnessed, and or have been told by others Christians; Congregants, Ministers, and many as well who no longer attend church at all. 

        Having had many share with me their frustration(s) with the ineffectiveness of their church in the area of teaching and edifying, I am convinced, many, if not most of us are not aware of what a spirit-filled life truly entails: 

·       Surrender to GOD and HIS will for our lives

·       Commitment to edification and the growth, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally that derives from it

·       Love and sacrifice for GOD and others

     I must admit, I have truly only come to fully surrender, learned what is fully required and thus strived to live such a life, some short time ago.  Even after many years of study and training, and a childhood, that spoke of it.  In large part, because, I had never been completely informed, taught, nor had it exemplified for me.  Complete surrender, requires daily biblical study and devotional type prayer, and since I was unaware of this, I was greatly missing the mark and thus not attaining a spirit-filled life myself. Therefore, by no means am I trying to imply that I am not, still spiritually maturing, learning, and seeking HIS direction and applying these discussed principals daily, forever more. Again, this is a lifelong process and commitment for us all.

     Due to years or even decades, (however long we have been attending church), the bombardment of false teachings and or dogmas, (human established, self-seeking philosophy passed off as the word of GOD  taught in most/many churches), has taken its toll on many of us. We have truly been lead astray from GOD’S desired method of conduct for us, HIS creation, created in HIS image.  Couple the apostasy with inadequate teaching we receive from Sunday school in most and or many churches, (if we even go), we are not aware, as to what living a life of surrender, which leads to a spirit filled life, is.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (Part 2)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (Part 2)

     One of the questions posed in segment one of this article was, “How often do you study and meditate upon the Bible and other Biblically based study materials?”  This is where we shall resume.  “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1: 1-3)

     This is a well-known, often quoted portion of scripture, but how many of us actually apply it? How often, if at all do we study, and then meditate upon the word of GOD, day and night? If we are honest, many of us will have to admit, we merely carry our bible to church on Sunday, but due to a lack of study, cannot even find the verse mentioned for the sermon, before the Preacher begins their sermon. In addition, sadly, as well, will not open it again until the following Sunday. 7 days later, once a week, 52 times a year, is the total amount of time spent in the Bible and learning its critical to life teachings. In order for us to know how to live a spirit-filled life, by GODS standards, not the world’s, or ours, we must, study, internalize, and apply the bibles teachings to our lives daily.

      This commitment is not optional, if we are to attain lifelong spiritual growth. Yes, I am arguing for daily, biblical studying and or reading. We watch T.V., read a magazine or book on our lunch breaks, and read text messages, all, daily, why not the Bible?                   

     Because we lack reverence for GOD, and a lack of commitment to obedience, remember, “….meditate day and night.” The bible is the word of GOD, it is a blueprint of how, to live as HE commands us to do so, Holy as HE is, as we are created in HIS image. “GOD is a Spirit: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and truth.” (KJV John 4:24) When a person never goes to the source, i.e. the Bible, the book of GOD for HIS people, how will they ever come to know the ways of GOD, learn to trust, obey, and surrender to HIM, and subsequently come to ever living a life committed to spiritual growth in Christ? I am reminded of the movie title, “Mission Impossible.” 

   We, must turn to GOD and HIS true word, and be responsibly accountable for our own attainment of GODLY knowledge, and applying it, daily. The Bible for tells in the end times that apostasy, false teachings, lies, would be the theme of the day, and we are clearly there. So fret not, but seek GOD and HIS word, and worship HIM in “spirit,” and in “truth.”  In this day and age of false doctrines, as we now have preachers stating things such as, all will go to heaven and there is no hell, we cannot rely upon someone else, to tell us how to view, interpret, nor live in accordance with GOD’S word. Now before I am misinterpreted, let me clarify, I am not saying rebel against your Pastor, I am saying “…judge the fruit.” If your Pastor, Deacon, Mother, Brother, whomever, are claiming things as truth, that contradict the word of GOD, after you have read it for yourself, you might want to seek advice and counsel elsewhere.

       Taking responsible accountability for many of us proves to be a major problem. Far too many of us have decided to portray ourselves as, rather than in “truth,” commit ourselves to being, spirit-filled. We show up on Sunday, claim to feel the “Holy Ghost,” and have not been anywhere near him in Lord knows how long. Many of us adhere to the, “I do what I want to translation,” of a fictitious bible they have never even purchased let alone read, and attain their disobedience validating philosophy from their Carnal Christian Concordance, from the Devils bookstore down by the club, or the bar, or their illicit lovers coffee-table. Let us be honest and transparent, no one is looking; hold your hand up if this is you.

     I am not trying to condemn, I am asking us to get real, first with ourselves, so that we can be transparent with others, because GOD already knows the truth.  In large part, we cannot get real, and deal with the truth, because we have never studied, to be able to meditate upon and apply the truth, found only in GOD’S word the bible. “For the word of GOD is living and active. Sharper than and double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and morrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’S sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of HIM to whom we must give account.” (NIV Hebrews 4:12-13) Again, honesty and transparency, with others and ourselves, because as the prior scripture states, we are not even remotely able to neither lie to nor hide anything, from GOD. Only through the study, meditation upon, and application of GOD’S word, will we be able to accurately access where we are on the path of our spiritual walk; only by applying HIS standards shall we ever please HIM, our Lord and Savior.

     “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)  The Bible is the written word of GOD, directly spoken to the writers, from HIM. Couple the verse just shared with the verses Psalm 1:1-3, and John 4:24 and it becomes very clear, we can never lead a spirit-filled life, without daily application of GOD’S word to our lives. In closing, I am not intending, to offend, truth is truth, and we can only serve GOD, as called to, by HIM, Holy and in spirit, not by our inferior, disobedient preferences. “Be not deceived; GOD is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6: 7-8) The only way to know how, only comes from the loving message found within the passages of the greatest book ever penned by man, but inspired by GOD, HIS book for us, the Bible.

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 1)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ (part 1)

The commitment to lifelong spiritual growth in Christ is a never-ending process, which should not cease until our death. Maybe you, someone, or many, you know and care deeply for, have ceased to show, "fruit,” through works for the Lord. Be it yourself, your significant other, a friend, or co-worker, but the evidence of spiritual growth is nonexistent.

 In either instance, GOD has called you to commit to, and or offer, biblical correction through the love of Christ, to bring about spiritual growth, and glorify HIM. This is not always an easy task. Never forget however, GOD will always equip you, and send assistance when necessary, for all that HE has called you to do in HIS name, and for HIS glory, including this.

     The process, does however, start with us. For the most effective way to show someone how to do anything is for us, to first, do it ourselves. Thus, I must ask you to take a sincere personal inventory. Being honest and transparent, for only with honesty and transparency, shall we be able to attain true spiritual growth in Christ.

·        Have you fully, surrendered your life to GOD, and committed to living a spirit-filled life?

·        Is there sin in your life that GOD has communicated to you that is blocking you from a deeper relationship with HIM?

·        How often do you study and meditate upon the bible, and other biblically based study materials?

·        Are your prayers merely requests that you seek GOD to fulfill, or are your prayers a means of communication with GOD, so that HE may inform you of HIS will for your life?

These questions are to initiate the process, and or encourage you to commitment to spiritual growth, neither to cause nor to illicit guilt. For the love of GOD, desires us to acknowledge our calling to live HOLY, as HE is, and not be deterred by our past.

To be continued…..