In the realm of spiritual growth and discipleship, if we were able to attain maturity and wisdom effortlessly, like acquiring fast food from a drive-through window, there would be an endless queue of Christians eager to partake. Perhaps in time, even that convenience would not be swift enough for our desires, and we would demand an app to deliver spiritual growth instantaneously. It is a reality that many of us struggle with the commitment to run the long distances required by our faith journey. We often find contentment in the illusion of possessing spiritual knowledge, maturity, and strength, seeking all the benefits without enduring the struggles. We long for the rewards without embracing the pain, for progress without the requirement of perseverance, and for success without the burden of suffering. Essentially, we crave the appearance of spiritual excellence without being willing to put in the effort - much like wanting a majestic boat without putting in the hard work, just to attribute its acquisition to a "God
This spiritual laziness and lack of discipline have rendered many of us weak and out of shape in our faith walk. Consequently, it doesn't take much suffering or hardship to overwhelm the average Christian, leading them into a state of defeat and depression. The avoidance of spiritual challenges and resistance to enduring hardship are evident in the reluctance of most believers to share their faith for years, or even decades. The question arises - how much genuine persecution would it take to crush the Western church? What level of pressure would cause us to buckle under the weight of our faith?
The Bible provides us with profound insights and scriptures that admonish us to embrace the path of discipleship and maturity, understanding that it comes with trials and tribulations. In the book of James, chapter 1, verse 2-4, it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage emphasizes that the journey to spiritual maturity involves embracing trials with joy, as they refine and strengthen us, ultimately leading us to completeness in our faith.
Furthermore, the apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks of the role of suffering in shaping our character and hope. In Romans 5:3-5, he states, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Paul's words remind us that suffering is not merely an obstacle to avoid but a catalyst for growth, deepening our character and hope as we rely on God's love and strength during challenging times.
As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Christ, who endured immense suffering for the sake of our salvation. In Philippians 2:5-8, the apostle Paul encourages us to have the same attitude as Christ: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Christ's willingness to endure suffering, even to the point of death, exemplifies the sacrificial nature of discipleship and the call to be obedient even in the face of great adversity.
In conclusion, the pursuit of spiritual maturity and discipleship is not a path of comfort and ease, but rather one of endurance and perseverance. As Christians, we are called to embrace the trials that come our way, knowing that they refine and strengthen us, ultimately leading to completeness in our faith. The scriptures admonish us to have the attitude of Christ, who endured suffering for our sake, and to consider suffering as a means of producing hope and character in us. Let us, therefore, reject spiritual laziness and instead, commit ourselves to walk the challenging but rewarding path of discipleship, finding our strength and hope in God's love and guidance along the way.
My name is Cesar and I’m A Voice In The Desert
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