Sometimes we know we’re not living the dream because of the level of misery we’re living with. I wonder, though, if there are times when our complacency blinds us from recognizing how we’ve veered off course from the route to the dream of what our life could be.
Every parent has dreams for their children. Whatever the details, the principles probably boil down to wanting their child’s life to be filled with joy, love, and meaning. For the months leading up to birth, parents fill their minds with such dreams – it helps to take our minds off the costs coming our way!
God had a dream that there would be people who walked so intimately with Him that the whole world would recognize the difference their relationship with God was making and would want to know and follow God, too. The dream was that these people known by God’s name and presence would be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal. 5:22). The idea was that individual followers after God’s heart would make up communities of God followers who would evidence these qualities. Such godly qualities cannot be manufactured by human effort alone, however. Knowing this, God imparted His Spirit upon those who believed so that they could live lives that were truly super natural, or, above and beyond natural.
Last week, I drew a connection between our relationship to the cross and the amount of power we allow into our lives. Basically, if we only claim the grace of the cross without its call to sacrifice, we will literally limit the amount of Spirit in our lives. This means we may experience a substandard life, and a weak impact on a hurting world when we could be experiencing God’s dream for us, which happens to be our truest dream for ourselves as well. Daunting reality: if we only claim the grace of the cross, we may, upon approach heaven’s gate, hear God say, “Welcome,” but we may not hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
This week, we looked at stages of spiritual development. No parent hopes that their child remains in diapers, drinking formula for the rest of their lives! Apparently, however, some Jesus followers became stuck in their spiritual development and, according the author of Hebrews (Heb. 5:11-14), were still on the breast when they should have been on solid food!
So, what keeps us from maturing in our spiritual development?
According to Reveal, a recent research project initiated by Willow Creek Community Church which included hundreds of churches, the variables that hinder and propel our faith are somewhat predictable. They divided people into four categories: Exploring Christianity, Growing in Christ, Close to Christ, and Christ Centered. What you need to mature in your faith depends on where you find yourself on your spiritual journey.
If you are Growing in Christ, you may describe yourself this way: “I believe in Jesus, and I’m working on what it means to get to know him.” The keys for you to mature may be found in two variables: small groups and personal devotional practices. It could be that until you integrate these important commitments into your life, you’ll be stuck.
If you are Close to Christ, you may describe yourself this way: “I feel really close to Christ and depend on him daily for guidance.” If this is where you are, and yet you feel stuck, you may need to consider looking at two areas of commitment: service and coaching. Look for ways to serve based on the way you are shaped (see Dar Valencia for help here). You may be ready for more advanced spiritual disciplines as well (get coached by Rodney Owens).
If you are Christ Centered, you may describe yourself this way: “God is all I need in my life. He is enough. Everything I do is a reflection of Christ.” Even Christ Centered followers get stuck! According to the study, you may need to look at two variables: mentoring and a broader service portfolio. You may be at a place in your walk that the primary way you’ll grow is by mentoring someone else in their faith. Or by serving in ways you haven’t yet – a new area, or perhaps serving at Deborah’s House or something like it. My wife’s parents (retired from a lifelong ministry career) have had numerous individual Bible study sessions with a couple who emigrated from another country. Their view of the Gospels has been given fresh wind as they have looked upon familiar biblical text with fresh eyes.
Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, remember that getting stuck may be in your future, and getting unstuck is in your hands. We’re here to help you navigate your way to maturity in Christ. Let us know how we can help!
Questions to consider…
Are you stuck in your walk with Christ? How do you know if you’re stuck or not?
How would you categorize your walk with Christ – Exploring Christianity, Growing in Christ, Close to Christ, or Christ Centered?
What worked once but doesn’t work as well today in terms of helping you in your walk with Christ?
What is your next step in your spiritual maturity? What needs to be altered, modified, replaced, committed, integrated, etc., to help you deepen your walk with Christ?
A Prayer to Pray…
Lord, you are the source of life and all that is worth living for. Help me be honest with myself about where our relationship is stuck. Help me take the steps that will get us back on track so that I live out of my relationship with you. Amen!
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