Spiritual growth (1)
Monday 26th November 2018
'At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Galatians 6:9 NIV
Sometimes spiritual growth can feel like two steps forward and three steps back. Sometimes we can feel that we're not growing at all. The apostle Paul encourages us not to give up (see Galatians 6:9). When we look in the mirror each day we can't see much change, but when we look at photos from when we were younger, we can see how we've grown and matured. It's the same for our spiritual lives: daily we can't see our progress, but when we look back we can see how far we've come.
The Bible says: 'And we all...are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord' (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). Transformation and growth aren't always easy. So when we get discouraged, we need to remind ourselves that we're on a spiritual journey, and that we're making progress even when we can't see it. The devil is always looking for ways to remind us how far we still have to go. But Jesus reminds us that the devil 'is a liar and the father of lies' (John 8:44 NIV). The Bible encourages us to 'take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).
So when we feel like giving up, that we're not getting anywhere and that we're not good enough, we need to take those thoughts captive, remember God's truth and carry on our journey of spiritual growth.
So what now? Go through an old photo album and see how much you've changed and grown. Then thank God for how much you've grown spiritually.
Monday 26th November 2018
'At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Galatians 6:9 NIV
Sometimes spiritual growth can feel like two steps forward and three steps back. Sometimes we can feel that we're not growing at all. The apostle Paul encourages us not to give up (see Galatians 6:9). When we look in the mirror each day we can't see much change, but when we look at photos from when we were younger, we can see how we've grown and matured. It's the same for our spiritual lives: daily we can't see our progress, but when we look back we can see how far we've come.
The Bible says: 'And we all...are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord' (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV). Transformation and growth aren't always easy. So when we get discouraged, we need to remind ourselves that we're on a spiritual journey, and that we're making progress even when we can't see it. The devil is always looking for ways to remind us how far we still have to go. But Jesus reminds us that the devil 'is a liar and the father of lies' (John 8:44 NIV). The Bible encourages us to 'take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV).
So when we feel like giving up, that we're not getting anywhere and that we're not good enough, we need to take those thoughts captive, remember God's truth and carry on our journey of spiritual growth.
So what now? Go through an old photo album and see how much you've changed and grown. Then thank God for how much you've grown spiritually.
