There's a saying that was knocking around thirty years ago that went something like this: the ability to hold two opposing ideas in your frontal lobe at the same time is a mark of intelligence. I don't recall the citation, but it may have been attributed to JFK.
So here's the two thoughts that have been knocking around in my head today. You determine whether this indicates the brightness of my bulb:
Thought #1 is from Charles Spurgeon: "And may God grant that, when you and I shall come to the end of this year, that we may have a good tale to tell concerning the faithfulness of God...".
Thought #2 is from a Christian educator: "Your level of spiritual development is exactly where you want it to be."
Think about it. As Christians, we claim to be disciples of Jesus. Followers. Students. Spurgeon has his theology right—the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit will effect change in our lives. There will be progress. The good work already started in us will not be abandoned. God doesn't drill any dry wells.
Yet I'm dissatisfied with my level of spiritual development. Maybe you are too. And there's thought #2, claiming I'm exactly where I want to be.
Then I read the following, in Anthony Hoekema's Created in God's Image: "Sanctification is...both the work of God and the task of man. [Men] must be responsibly involved in their sanctification, 'perfecting holiness out of reverence for God' (2 Cor. 7:1)."
So I have a task. I have to take my spiritual development off cruise-control. It's not enough for me to sit under good teaching. It's more than reading the latest, albeit uplifting, Christian book release. I need—dare I say it—a spiritual development plan.
It's more than a good diet. It's not just about intake. I have to get into a 360 degree training regime, and start exercising those spiritual muscles—developing healthy disciplines, working off some of the spiritual flab. It's time to get on the elliptical of a Christian world view...develop the appetite for a higher energy devotional workout...try exercising my witness.
Because I don't want to make the same lame excuse next year.
Hmm. Can anybody out there recommend a good spiritual trainer?
Chris Joyce
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