As the years go by in our faith, we can sometimes become accustomed to life as it is and forget to focus on growth. This, I believe, is an unfortunate habit for many of us. Of course, this becomes a problem for the household of faith, which is called to take the things God has given us and help them grow. We each have a responsibility to help ourselves produce the fruit of the Spirit, help the church grow, and make new Christians.
In college, I had the unfortunate habit of allowing other things dictate my spiritual growth. I went to worship three times a week, chapel during the week, and four Bible classes daily. I didn’t need any other time to study or spend with God. He had the majority of my time. I allowed my Bible major status to determine where I was spiritually. This led to the darkest battle with doubt of my entire life. I became lazy and anxious. I pushed God away and kept almost everyone at a distance so they wouldn’t know. I finally came to grips with the situation and realized no one else could make me grow spiritually.
It is a personal devotion that leads to the growth my soul requires. In Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, he says, ” Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:13-15, ESV).
Our growth must come from our desire and our hard work. Then God will bless us with the growth we require. Don’t be a fool who prays for the hole to be dug when a shovel is already in your hand. God provides the means and the tools, but we are expected to use them.