This week’s Monday Motivation video from Tommy Newberry included a quote from his father that set me to thinking. “Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.” (Click here to view the video.) We face opportunities the new year affords, so I want to challenge you again to live intentionally. I especially want to encourage you to do so regarding your faith walk with as a Jesus follower.
Live Intentionally as God’s Partner
Sanctification is the big theological word we use to label spiritual growth. And there is a sense in which we are partners with God in our development. Not equal partners, mind you, we have a “minority stake” in the partnership. But we do have a stake.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
Let’s be clear. Our spiritual growth is a work of grace. It occurs only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts and lives. We cannot try harder or do more to make ourselves more mature. However, God does not exercise that power in our lives until we submit to it and desire it. In this partnership, we provide the want to and God provides the ability to.
In verse 12 above, Paul challenges us to “work out” our salvation. He does not mean we work to attain it or achieve it, but to exercise it. In this context he is operating on the presupposition that we are already born-again Jesus followers.
People go to the gym to “workout.” When they do that, they do not create new muscles. They already have all their muscles from birth. The workout helps melt fat away from the muscles and makes them stronger and more flexible. Workouts can produce new muscle growth but they cannot produce new muscle.
Likewise, we can “workout” spiritually. Through spiritual disciplines, our lives can become a healthy, Spirit-driven example of walking with Jesus. We don’t work to attain salvation. But our willingness to submit to God’s work in us is our part of the partnership.
Live Intentionally through Spiritual Discipline
The athlete employs several disciplines to facilitate their growth. We also have a few basic spiritual disciplines that provide the platform for God to do His work in us.
Nutrition. Someone who wants to get into shape physically starts with eating healthy. They avoid food that is detrimental and counterproductive to their health goals. And they partake of foods that are beneficial and facilitate their health goals.
As believers, our diet is God’s Word. I encourage you to read the Bible in two ways. Read longer passages to give you a broad perspective on Scripture. But also study shorter passages to give you depth and insight into truths you can live out each day.
Exercise. Getting into shape requires extended and intense activity. You’ve probably heard the expression “no pain, no gain.” We exercise our faith-lives by serving – our family, church, and community. When we serve others, we use the spiritual nutrition we have gained from God’s Word. Those nutritious spiritual nuggets provide the knowledge and motivation to serve.
Rest. The body needs rest to refuel and recover. Without the proper rest, both the nutrition we eat and the exercise we engage go to waste. Prayer is the rest equivalent in our walk with Jesus. We need to spend adequate time each day with Him. This type of prayer is not so much our shopping list of wants and needs we bring to God. The kind of prayer that provides spiritual rest is silent, reflective prayer where we allow God to speak to us. In these moments He refreshes and reassures us. More on this kind of praying in a future blog. But for now, spend some time with the Lord in silence. Sure, share with Him what’s on your heart and the needs of people you love. But also spend time declaring your need for Him.
Live Intentionally…and Creatively
I could go on. We need community like athletes need teams. And also, we need accountability, coaching, and camaraderie. But you must start somewhere.
How will you fuel your spiritual life? What sins and what unbelief are poisoning your spiritual life? Will you confess them and claim His forgiveness? How are you exercising your faith? Do you intentionally allow God to work through you as you serve others?
You have a whole new year ahead of you. Don’t be upset that you aren’t growing if you aren’t trying. Put in your work, and I will guarantee God will put in His.
