December 14th~Spiritual Fitness

1 Timothy 3:1-6:10

We read more of Paul’s letter to Timothy, his young protégé. His purpose in writing to him was so that he would “know how people must conduct themselves in the household of
God...” (3:14, 15). Thus, he addressed such topics as installing Elders and Deacons, providing for widows, and protecting against false teachers and the temptation of worldly riches.

Instructing the church at such a young age might have rubbed some people wrong, but Paul encouraged Timothy not to “let anyone think less” of him because of his age. “Be an example to all believers,” he wrote, “in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (4:12). To achieve these things, Paul challenged him to “spend time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is more important...” (4:7, 8).

When I was in seventh grade, I was introduced to weight lifting. While I had very little training, by the end of the year, I noticed something that surprised me — muscles. I remember being so impressed by my physical improvements that I asked my parents for a dumbbell set, so that I could lift at home. I became aware that the more time and effort I invested, the stronger and more physically fit I became.

Daily Reflection

As Christians, we transition through similar stages in our spiritual lives. After our “rebirth” at salvation, we are immediately thrust into spiritual infancy (no matter our physical age), that place in which we are immature, dependent, and have much to learn. While every newborn Christian starts there, it is vital that you do not get stuck there. It is God’s desire that you progress and grow into maturity.

Spiritual maturity does not happen overnight; it occurs gradually. While salvation is a one-time occurrence and solely a work of God, spiritual growth is an ongoing event in which you cooperate with God. He has already done His part, by giving you everything that you need to progress spiritually. However, He has left the rate at which you grow to you. Thus, spiritual growth is a joint effort. God supplies the tools, while you supply the labor.

You can decide to make use of these tools and get into “shape,” or you can refuse to put in the time and effort and never progress at all. It is your choice; and, if you choose to work hard, God has promised to make you adequate for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Thus, you must decide to discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness, to roll up your sleeves and get to work. The Lord will do the rest.

Have you ever noticed that every believer is at a different stage in his or her spiritual maturity? Why do you think this happens?

Unfortunately, many Christians are satisfied with or are forever stuck in the rut of spiritual infancy, never knowing or caring that God expects more. I believe one of the reasons this occurs is because we are never taught to feed ourselves. Thus, many believers never contribute to their own spiritual growth. How much time and effort are you willing to invest in order to progress and grow?

BiAY.org | Day 348 — 17 Days to Go