You are
what you are, but you are not yet what you will be.
May’s Awakening, Day 28
[Here in
these next sections, like the sections on spiritual gifts, there are but a few
quotations that are pertinent, so many of the days ahead will be remiss in that
area. This topic is, however, crucial to your spiritual growth and maturity, so
we will be addressing it now.]
Do you not know that in a race all the
runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the
prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it
to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last
forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight
like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my
slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be
disqualified for the prize. 1
Corinthians 9:24–27 NIV
For though I am absent from you in
body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you
are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Colossians 2:5 NIV
To become physically fit we must
exercise, train, and eat right. To become mentally fit we must read, study, and
continually push the boundaries of our minds. To become spiritually fit we must
steadfastly embrace and undertake those activities that will assist us in
gaining effectiveness to live a life as Jesus taught and modeled. A spiritually
fit and disciplined individual is one who will say and do the right thing, at
the right time, in the right way, and with the right attitude, intent, and
spirit. A spiritually mature individual knows when laughter, gentleness,
silence, healing words, or even righteous indignation is called for, and it is
delivered appropriately, effectively, and lovingly.
It may be to your surprise, but
there are many spiritual disciplines, of which we’ve already discussed a
few—worship and prayer—but there are almost fifteen in all and they are quite
diverse. We will look at these over the next few days. It is equally important
to know and avoid the spiritual pitfalls—becoming spiritually inauthentic like
the Pharisees, being judgmental or prideful, becoming less approachable rather
than more, believing that you’ve “spiritually arrived,” and being spiritually
superficial without a true deep bond with Christ. Pray that God will show you
the right tools you need to become like Christ and mirror His life.
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