Discipline Over Time
Every day is an opportunity for followers of Jesus Christ to develop a deeper level of intimacy with God as the fruit of the Spirit is manifested in their lives, and that spiritual walk requires regular self-examination.
Spiritual growth requires discipline and commitment over a long period of time. Eugene Peterson wrote, “One of the things that is harmful to Christians is the assumption that anything worthwhile can be acquired at once.” There are two paths that affect spiritual growth of the Christian. First, spiritual maturity is gained when believers walk in the Spirit—“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) All believers have the presence of the Holy Spirit as the personal power for living to please God. The Greek verb for “walk” indicates continuous action, or a habitual lifestyle. Walking also implies progress; obedience to God’s commands produces growth. Christians must wait until glory before they are finally rid of the flesh; however, walking in the Spirit will please God while you are living in this world. Second, spiritual maturity is lost when believers follow the flesh—“The works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21a) These sins characterize all unsaved mankind. Of course, not every person manifests all these sins nor do all practice them to the same degree. The key word in verse 21 is “practice” … those whose basic character is reflected in the uninterrupted and unrepentant practice of these sins cannot belong to God. Yet, believers can and do commit these sins, as spiritual growth is dynamic. Are you committed to those things that produce spiritual maturity in your life?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
