January tends to be a time when we focus in on personal growth and development. We dream again and plan for brighter days, maybe set goals, cast a new vision, and begin to do the work to get us where we hope to be. And in our aim to grow, I dare say that the best place to start is in our relationship with Jesus.
Our spiritual health should be the foundation for everything else, and just like any other goal, ambition, or plan, it will require discipline and intention to make it happen. We don’t immediately know and understand all spiritual things when we first receive salvation through faith in Christ. It’s something that happens over time through studying God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and leaning on His Spirit to be obedient to the principles and commandments that are in Scripture. As we are faithful in these things, we learn how to recognize the difference between good and evil, truth and lies, and God’s plan and purpose over our own desires.
If we are not growing in our faith and walk with Christ, we are shrinking and starving our spirit of life-giving nourishment. To grow, we need the nourishment of God’s Word; and to mature and become strong, we need to be walking in obedience to what God has told us to do, and we do that through the power of the Holy Spirit.
If we are not doing these things, it will be far too easy for us to be tossed about and led astray by worldly ideas and ideologies, false teachings, or even our own emotions and selfish desires.
Especially in the current cultural and political climate. As the world gets louder with its opinions and narratives and wars against what is good, it’s increasingly important to stay grounded in the steadfast truth of God’s Word rather than be tossed about by the ever changing news, ideas, and opinions of the world.
God’s character and Word do not change, and the hope we have in Him will anchor our souls no matter what storms may come.
God wants us to come to Him just as we are, but He has a greater plan and purpose for us to grow in our relationship with Him.
This is my encouragement and hope for each of us: that we will be increasingly aware of our need for Jesus, continue to grow in our relationship with Him, and live according to His Word.
In what ways can you commit to growing in your relationship with Jesus?
Being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord… Jeremiah 29:13-14