Growing is ongoing

Every day believers face new challenges because of their faith in Christ. Our lives are never truly “settled” or “blissful” like in some advertisement about a leisure-filled retirement community for seniors.

Each believer is at a different stage of growth in Christ, and that development toward maturity in Christ is ongoing. We are all on a path, a race as Paul calls it in Philippians, and perfection is always in front of us.

Philippians 3:12-14 (KJV) – “12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

For those around us who don’t believe, pursuing something more and better as they move through life isn’t unfamiliar to them. They have learned this from academics, sports, career and every “be your own one great person” self-help guru with a new book.

The difference between the pursuit of the life this world offers and living as one growing in maturity of faith in Christ is an eternity apart.

Now, disciple, people are searching for something more than the soul-sucking emptiness of this world that comes from the constant disappointment of chasing the next level of “success” and “bliss” in this world, and that presents an opportunity to share with them a fulfilling race through life that delivers an eternal prize.

How great a feeling for those unbelievers to suddenly be able to forget all that is behind and look forward to salvation through Jesus for all eternity?

3 Questions for now

Everyone around us is itching for something “more” in life.

More success at work, more money, more time, more freedom, more peace in their soul that aches and they aren’t sure why.

The race they are running misses the mark every time.

Only Jesus can deliver the prize they are truly seeking.

Here are questions that could help you lead them to the answer they seek:

• Have you ever heard the story of Jesus' death and resurrection? What are your thoughts on that?

• Do you believe Jesus was just a historical figure, or do you think He was something more?

• What do you think about Jesus' claim to be the Son of God?

Yes, I did it again. I snuck a fourth question in there.

Questions lead to answers, so the more questions you ask the more answers you’ll get.

Then you can reveal the true answer to life’s questions – Jesus.

Be kind. Love them. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Worldly entertainment falls short for believers

I often come home from work tired, stressed and uninspired to do anything more than “veg out” in front of the “boob tube” watching mindless shows that didn’t require an ounce of effort on my part.

In days past, television consisted of whatever sitcom or news show was airing at that hour. Now with a few clicks the mindlessness is endless in the world of streaming video. It’s easy to get caught up in the flow of “entertainment” that is so useless. I end up popping out of the “de-stress” trance and realize how many hours I’ve wasted in a day.

That’s why it’s called the “boob tube” – it makes a total boob (dummy) out of you the more you watch it. (And, yes, I’m also referring to sports for all my fellow athletics fans out there.)

This entanglement with television is a stumbling block for me and many others. Hours each day stack up into days and weeks over the course of a year that result in no gain intellectually or spiritually. It’s a well-defined, steady race to a dullard’s life.

Like any unnecessary and unhelpful habit in life, television entertainment can be a deceiving setback for believers. I know, people will say, “Oh, it’s not that big of a deal.”

I’ll give you that argument in the sense that television is beneficial when it comes to weather alerts, important news or the occasional show that is positive and not full of worldly desires. Like anything, moderation is key.

But for those of us who use it as a crutch to deal with the stresses and challenges of life, Paul offers an option that helps in our goal as believes to maintain ongoing growth instead of settling for a life of stagnation.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV) – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

What the world offers – whether TV entertainment or otherwise – won’t provide energy, relieve the stress or inspire us to greater heights in life. God’s word delivers all we need to know, and Christ provides all we need to run our race for Him.

Now, disciple, all this leads me to a simple question for all of us.

Have you read your Bible today?

God’s word is overflowing with more wonders and adventure beyond any digital entertainment, along with love, peace and eternal life.

As I’ve said before, reading is fundamental, and the Bible is our foundation for growing in our faith in Christ Jesus our Savior.