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.