Goodness gracious, one simply cannot help but notice that we are all granted the exact same 168 hours in a week. It is a staggering thought, is it not? Yet, if one only tends to their spiritual constitution during a brief hour on Sunday morning. I daresay they shall remain in a state of perpetual spiritual infancy.
Now, do picture an infant for a moment. Quite adorable, yes, but remarkably incapable of feeding themselves. They would choose a bowl of smarties over a plate of nourishing carrots every single time! They tumble about, wander into the most inconvenient sorts of trouble, and are, if we are being honest, rather self-centred. They require constant discipline and a firm hand of training.
Are you beginning to see the portrait I’m painting?
The "New Birth" is a marvellous, breathtaking event. A launching pad of the highest order! It was never intended to be a permanent residence in a crib. As it is written in Hebrews 6:1, “Let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.”
Do take note of those two rather demanding words: "Let us." That implies the responsibility rests squarely upon our own shoulders. At some point, a lady or gentleman must simply stand tall and declare, “Starting this very instant, I shall do whatever is required to grow up spiritually and discover the grand plan God has for my life!”
It reminds me of a delightful, if slightly convicting, tale regarding General Louis Lyautey at the end of the Great War. Upon asking his gardener to plant a specific tree, the gardener protested, noting the tree was so slow-growing it would take a century to reach maturity.
The General didn't miss a beat. “In that case,” he cried, “there is no time to lose! Plant it this very afternoon!”
If you are looking for a fail-safe plan to ensure you aren't a spiritual sapling forever, look no further than Psalm 1:2-3: “They delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
A Sincere Prayer
Dear Father God,
I must confess, I find myself struggling with my own spiritual growth. Every now and again, I seem to come to a grinding halt, and I realize quite clearly that I am in desperate need of Your Holy Spirit. As I attempt to pick up the pace, I desire nothing more than to walk in perfect step with You.
My life, quite frankly, is worth very little without Your hand guiding my path. Lord Jesus, You are intimately acquainted with my circumstances. You understand the trifles and trials I face daily. I am committing my day into Your hands; every deed, every stray thought, and every bit of work. I trust in You, believing You are capable of doing far more than my meagre imagination can provide. Thank You for Your steadfast loving-kindness.
In the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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