SUB THEME: TYPES OF UNLIMITED ADVANCEMENT & ALL-ROUND FRUITFULNESS
TOPIC: UNLIMITED ADVANCEMENT IN MY SPIRITUAL LIFE
TEXTS: 1 Sam. 2:26; Heb. 6:1; 2 Pet. 3:18.
INTRODUCTION: Diverse discoveries and advancements have been made in several fields of life, particularly in the fields of science and technology.
In the sphere of spirituality, what do we have to say?
We are expected to equally make progress or advancement, the sinful environment we find ourselves notwithstanding.
1 Samuel Chapter 2 verses 21 and 26 have this to say about young Samuel growing up in the lascivious home of Eli and his children:
"...And the child Samuel grew before the Lord"..."And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men".
About John the Baptist and the Boy Christ respectively, Luke testified, "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit..."(Luke 1:80); "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him"(Luke 2:40).
The above examples seriously challenge us to make efforts to mature spiritually. Spiritual progress is a characteristic of the righteous.
Chinese medicine has used pulverised pearls for thousands of years as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Romanians are now embracing rejuvenating therapeutic mud for a youthful, radiant appearance. Body care techniques are used worldwide to revitalise even the most lifeless skin.
The things we have developed to maintain our physical bodies and advance in health, however, can only bring us temporary satisfaction. What matters more is that we make unlimited advancement in our spiritual lives.
As Christians, we can advance spiritually through Christ. Our everyday struggles may demoralise us. Our spiritual lives will however advance when we focus on Jesus Christ rather than the challenges around us.
Do not be content with your spiritual status; there is still more to learn from God's Word and more mysteries that the Holy Spirit wants to unravel to you.
How can one advance or make progress in his/her spiritual life?
If you truly desire to grow spiritually, then, learn to devote more time in the reading and study of the Bible, God's Word (1 Peter 2:2) in prayer (1Chron.16:11; Matt.26:41; Eph.6:18) and fellowship with other believers in Christ (Acts 2: 41- 44; Heb.10:25) than you were doing in the past.
Increase in the fruits of your righteousness and winning others to Christ (2 Cor. 9:10), in your love for God, His other children and towards all men (1Thess. 3:12); by accretion (2 Pet.1: 5, 6), in grace and knowledge (2 Pet 3:18), by putting away childish things, regularly and humbly yielding yourself to spiritual tutelage (Galatians 4:1-3), and striving after the Christ ideal (1Cor.13:11; Eph 4:13).
A healthy life in the spirit is sure to produce a life of unlimited advancement and all-round fruitfulness.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, like a newborn baby, may I crave for you and your pure spiritual milk so that by it I may continue to advance (1 Pet. 2:2).
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