By Not Known
Sin is powerful because it binds us to commit it again and again. The Israelites at the time of Judges clearly had to grapple with this. The grand summary of the records here is that “every man did that which was right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). There was this nonchalant attitude that says, “I do my own thing and it’s none of your business!”
James further reminded us that “If one knows the right thing to do and does not do it, it is sin” (James 4:17). The opposite is true: when we know what is not right and still do it becomes blatant disobedience. How may we be helped then?
The first step is forgiveness and true repentance. This paves the way for growth. Growth needs to be sustained and that’s why we need to develop a spiritual relationship with God.
Spiritual growth is a choice and is necessary to deepen our relationship with God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is making Jesus the Lord of our lives, submitting to the guiding power and blessings of the Holy Spirit. Growing in our spirituality is the desire to become righteous and more Christ-like in our everyday lives.
Real spiritual growth is not the same thing as being religious. Religion comes from regimens of rigid traditions, ceremonies, and mandated deeds; originating from man-made rules or religious laws. Obedience is often guilt-motivated. Godly spirituality does not come from what man has dictated, but from true and earnest desires from the heart that is in tune with God.
Spiritual growth begins first and foremost with believing and following Jesus Christ. We do this through faith. Our spirituality grows and matures through:
Prayer (regularly conversing with God).
Becoming students of His word and obeying His teachings (being disciples).
Sharing the blessings of our spirituality with others (evangelising).
Giving God glory and praise through speech, behaviour, and songs (worship).
Faith may begin like a tiny seed. When we exercise our faith, it grows. It is like planting a seedling. We look after it, fertilise (nourish) it, and it grows. We need to keep the weeds away from it. Our spirituality is much the same. The Spirit of God prepares our hearts as the seed of faith is planted. That tiny seed of faith is nourished through prayer, studying the Bible, and surrounding ourselves with like-minded Christians. As it grows, we begin to share with others what God has done for us. When we do not give into the temptation to sin, we will spiritually grow and draw closer to the Lord. This will yield the fruit in our lives that He has designed for us. God brings us a joy and peace in life that defies all circumstances.
Our love increases for Him and all He’s done. This creates a deeper, personal relationship with Him and causes us to yearn for all that He has for us. Our human minds often cannot understand how this works, it requires trust and faith in God. The Lord God gives us a mental, emotional, and spiritual peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). He has many more blessings for us that are brought through the Holy Spirit. But most of all, it keeps us from returning to sin.
Peter Poon