Growing up spiritually

By Patsy Shannon, 8th August 2015

“Let us stop going over the same old ground again and again, always teaching those first lessons about Christ. Let us go on instead to other things and become mature in our understanding, as strong Christians ought to be. Surely we don’t need to speak further about the foolishness of trying to be saved by being good, or about the necessity of faith in God…”

Hebrews 6, 1 The Living Bible

Spiritual development is a topic I’ve heard a lot about in recent weeks, and what I have heard has been powerful and eye-opening. The wonderful thing about messages God gives his people, is that they first ring loud and clear with us personally, and then they are to be shared with others so they can benefit from the revelation. As such, I’d like to share what I was reminded of a couple of weeks ago concerning growing up spiritually.

Most of us have dealt with, or are dealing with relationship situations and struggles, whether in a family setting, at work, at church or with friends and neighbours. It is especially difficult when those in the situation are supposed to be Believers. We may offer encouragement, prayer, scolding; even anger arises, particularly when we see there is a continual pattern of unchanged ways of behaviour.

This has been the case with me. Although I have been doing what I know to do scripturally, I must confess out of frustration, weariness and at times anger, I have been “inconsistent”. That is significant. It has been said: Insanity is described as doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting to get a different result.

That is what I had been doing. I was on a roller-coaster of emotion, thinking surely there should be some behavioural change in that loved one by now. I realized my problem. I had certain expectations of that individual that were not being met, and when not met, I was on a roller- coaster ride which included a feeling of hurt or offence. Please note, that is why aiming to walk in love is so vital, because it can deflect offence.

The very thing I knew I should not have done, I was doing….what was it? I continued to focus on the situation, on the person’s behaviour rather than on the Word of God, rather than on Jesus. Although these are things I have said to others and even to myself (focus on the Word), when the attack came, when the pressure was on, it was another story! The other problem was it was something I knew well in my mind, in my intellect, but this still had not taken root in my heart, (my spirit). Sometimes things take longer in some areas.

God loves us so much that he awakens us to these truths. Like a good parent, you continue to give your children reminders……“be careful”, “don’t forget such and such”, “look after your brother”, etc. That is what messages do…. they remind us. So what must we do about it? We must go into training! We must train ourselves (purposefully) to get the “Word of God” inside us, down in our heart not just in our head.

It goes back to what we did at salvation, when we became a Christian. It’s believing in our heart (our spirit) and confessing with our mouth about Jesus. It’s what goes in and comes out of our heart, which shows us really where we are and where we are not, spiritually. But it’s OK! A good parent points things out to their children so they can correct things, so they can do better and be better.

The last thing I will mention is our consistency to stand on the Word in faith. This is the key. When we waver back and forth it’s like what James 1 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally….. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind….. let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Sometimes it seems as though it will take forever to see patterns change in our loved ones; we get tired and frustrated, become weak and a prime target for the enemy to mess with our minds, causing doubt. Remember to be obedient to what the Word of God says; it is not based on what others say or do, they will give account to the Lord just like we will. The Lord will ask us about our walk, our obedience and not theirs.

Prayer:

Lord, I know you desire for me to grow; maturing in the word, in faith, and in love, with my eyes fully fixed upon you, not looking to my left or my right. According to Ephesians 1:17-18 (NLT) I ask that you give me spiritual wisdom and insight so that I might grow in your knowledge. I pray my heart is flooded with light so that I can understand the confident hope you have given to those you have called.

You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I have the mind of Christ. Therefore when doubt tempts me to waver, or my emotions want to take me off course, I take my shield of Faith and quench all the fiery darts of satan. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

 

A farewell dinner with Patsy, before their return to USA!