Staying At It

The Christian Life does not have a magical formuala for instant holiness. It is day by day,moment by moment living for Christ and surrendering your wants and desires for what you know you ought to do through the Word of God. It is trusting and yielding to the Spirit of God constantly, in season and out. It is what builds character and integrity knowing that the Lord knows all my actions and thoughts even when nobody is around. Many people have asked me over the years what the key is to living the Christian life. I think the reformation theological perspective is the correct biblical one. It is to diligently appropriate the ordinary means of grace that is available to us. To be under the constant exhortation and instruction of the preached Word, to regular partake of the ordinances/sacrament of the Lord's Supper and to pray always. These are basic and being in a loving bible centered church is important for growth through accountability. Feeding ourselves through the Word of God is so important. The Word of God, the Bible is the single most important means of Sanctification (John17:17).
I think there are other means as well. Giving is usually underestimated for growth. Giving our tithes and offerings is a reminder that God owns everything and is sovereign over it all. It keeps us accountable to be good stewards of our time, talents and treasures. In short, it produces spiritual growth when done consistently and in faith. Using our spiritual gift in the body of Christ edifies the Saints and glorifies God which produces the grace to live more and more for Him and not ourselves. When we have gifts that put us before people, such as teachers, it becomes a humbling privilege to know the saints are relying on you to feed them the Word of God. Great accountability is required for the teacher because of this important task. The gifts of serving, giving and mercy are often done in secret and the Lord brings the hidden growth through the humble obedient service rendered by folks who serve others without notice. Matthew chapter 6 deals with how the Lord blesses Alms giving, fasting and prayer done in secret and the Lord who sees in secret will reward you openly.
There are other means of grace that brings sanctification in the Christian Life. One particular activity that has been impressed on me over the last 28 years has been spiritual conversation with other saints. That is, conversation dealing with the bible, the Lord working in our own lives, testimony,exhortation, sharing the love of Christ(Heb 10:24-25). This does not involve complaining about others,the culture,politics and the church. It is dealing with the spiritual issues in our lives with other saints. It is vital to our spiritual health and is often overlooked as a tremendous means of growth and encouragement. The Lord has provided all of the above for us and more if we just stay at it day by day , until the Lord calls us home or He comes in His Glory.Amen.