bits from bob....
bits from bob....
An article entitled "Keep Plodding" crossed my desk this week. It focused the spiritual truth found in the story of the "tortoise and the hare." It reminded me of the challenge found in Heb. 10:19-25. The key to spiritual development, healthy Christians, and strong families is not brilliant speed nor thrilling excitement, but patience, steadfastness, and perseverance.
What does it take to keep plodding? What are the elements of building a strong spiritual life over the long haul?
1. Sincerity.
We must be transparent and vulnerable. Confident faith draws near to God in sincere hearts. Those who observe u s notice our sincerity or lack of it. Our friends and families know whether we are sincere.
2. Consistency.
Consistent, constant Christians accomplish the most and go the furthest. Genuine hope can be held unswervingly. The "hare" approach is ineffective and loses the race. The Bible frequently reminds that discipline is required in the Christian race.
3. Practical Action.
We must spur one another to love and good deeds. We sometimes need the goad. We need to be urged toward the urgent tasks before us. Only one request--be considerate.
4. Worship.
When we consider quitting, one of the first things we are tempted to omit is worship. We neglect daily prayer and seldom read God's Word. Assembly with other Christians for worship becomes sporadic.
5. Encouragement.
God's plan is for mutual encouragement, and one source of that encouragement is sharing times of fellowship and worship.
Paul's words to the Galatian churches reflect the need to keep plodding: "Let us not becomes weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (6:9)
