Living Intentionally
Are you growing spiritually or just growing old?
“Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get from the work you didn’t do.”
— Tommy Newberry
Live Intentionally as God’s Partner
As we head into the homestretch of this year, I want to challenge you to finish well by living intentionally—especially in your walk as a follower of Jesus.
Sanctification is the theological word we use for spiritual growth. In one sense, we are partners with God in that process. Not equal partners, mind you—we have only a minority stake—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 (ESV)
Let’s be clear. Our spiritual growth is entirely a work of grace. It happens only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. We cannot simply try harder or do more to become spiritually mature.
Yet God does not force His work upon us. He works as we submit ourselves to Him and desire His transforming work. In this partnership, we provide the willingness; God provides the power.
When Paul tells us to “work out” our salvation, he does not mean we work to earn or achieve it. He means we exercise it. Throughout this passage, he assumes his readers are already born-again followers of Christ.
People go to the gym to work out. They don’t create muscles they never had. They already possess them. Exercise simply develops those muscles by reducing what hinders them and making them stronger.
The same is true spiritually. Through the spiritual disciplines, our lives become healthy, Spirit-directed expressions of walking with Christ. We do not work for salvation, but our willingness to submit to God’s work is our part of the partnership.
Live Intentionally through Spiritual Discipline
An athlete embraces several disciplines to grow stronger. Likewise, God has given us basic spiritual disciplines that provide the platform for His work in our lives.
Nutrition.
Anyone who wants to get into shape begins with healthy eating. They avoid foods that hinder their goals and choose foods that nourish them.
The disciple’s diet is God’s Word. Read the Bible in two ways. Read larger portions to grasp the big picture of Scripture. Then study shorter passages more carefully to gain truths you can live out each day.
Exercise.
Physical fitness requires consistent effort. You’ve heard the saying, “No pain, no gain.”
We exercise our faith by serving—our families, our church, and our community. As we serve, we put into practice the spiritual nourishment we have received from God’s Word. That nourishment gives us both the knowledge and the motivation to serve.
Rest.
The body needs rest to recover and refuel. Without it, nutrition and exercise lose much of their benefit.
Prayer is the spiritual equivalent of rest. We need daily time alone with the Lord. This kind of prayer is more than presenting our list of needs. It includes quiet, reflective moments when we allow God to speak to our hearts. In those moments, He refreshes, reassures, and strengthens us.
I’ll say more about this kind of prayer in a future post. For now, spend time with the Lord in silence. Certainly tell Him what’s on your heart and pray for those you love. But also take time simply to express your dependence upon Him.
Live Intentionally…and Creatively
I could go on. We need community just as athletes need teammates. We also need accountability, coaching, and encouragement. But you have to start somewhere.
How will you nourish your spiritual life? What sins or unbelief are poisoning your walk with Christ? Will you confess them and receive His forgiveness? How are you exercising your faith? Are you intentionally allowing God to work through you as you serve others?
Don’t be disappointed by a lack of spiritual growth if you haven’t pursued it. Put in your work, and I can assure you that God will faithfully do His.