Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Compass: GROW in grace and knowledge! (LISTEN HERE)
Why invest in spiritual growth?
“Start with Why”
This popular book by Simon Sinek gives a framework of how leaders inspire others to action. The key? A shared belief that the REASON for the effort is worth my INVESTMENT of time.
Is time invested in spiritual growth worth the effort? While the short answer is, “Yes!” let me share some “Why’s” that give a strong reason to invest time in your days and weeks to growing spiritually…especially in God’s grace and knowledge of his Word.
- Misinformation…disinformation…false information.
These buzz words in our current culture pertain to what appears on social media and news sources and speak to whether the information is true, not true, biased or unbiased. It’s hard to really find any objective source of information which is 100% true and credible.
The same challenge exists in the spiritual realm. On what are you relying for your knowledge about God, his Son Jesus, and his Word in general?
The best is to go to the source. We KNOW that the source, the Bible itself, is true…all of it. So instead of relying on someone else for your spiritual information, become a student of it yourself.
Satan is the “Father of Lies” and is looking to feed our souls misinformation, disinformation and outright lies about all things spiritual to dissuade, discourage, and disconnect us from the love of God and the security of salvation found in Christ.
The way to stand firm and discern truth from error…keep growing spiritually. In fact, the Apostle Peter preceded the encouragement to grow with this strong reason why:
2 Peter 3:17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.
- Be ready for life.
Life can be challenging. Every day has its joys and challenges and sometimes it’s hard to navigate them all. We rely on friends and family for support. We look to the internet or professionals for advice. We turn to addictions to escape the unpleasant moments and situations. We carry a mixed bag of healthy and unhealthy resources to deal with the situations that come up in life.
While not putting a “Bible band-aid” on every situation that comes up, the Bible gives God’s wisdom, promises, guidance and perspective on situations and problems that come up. When we have these words of wisdom and truth in our minds we can engage in very difficult situations with a solid biblical perspective and God-given truth. We won’t be blown here and there by the latest advice or succumb to one’s who want to take advantage of our situation.
How? We grow up in the Word of God. We memorize it. We apply it. We use it. We hold on to it. We mature in it.
The Apostle Paul was inspired to write in Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
Life is going to happen. It’s why God has given us his word to guide us in every aspect of life.
If these two reasons aren’t good enough…which I hope they are…two more are coming tomorrow!
Apply: Which of these two reasons compels you more to be more intentional about your spiritual growth? Want a quick assessment to uncover areas of Bible knowledge you may want to explore more? Click this link: https://probe.org/bible-literacy-quiz-separated-format/?_gl=1*dhvsr7*_ga*MTIyODI4NTY1NC4xNjc0MDU2OTQ0*_ga_EJVJ4615HK*MTY3NDA1Njk0My4xLjEuMTY3NDA1Njk0NS4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.76477845.1694729200.1674056945-1228285654.1674056944
Prayer: Spirit of God, compel in me the desire to grow stronger and more mature in your Word so I might be better equipped each day to live in and live out your grace. AMEN.