Articles / Class Lessons
“Three Ways to Elevate Your Spiritual Life”
Jesus wants to change your life! God wants nothing but your success and He provides the tools that will change your character. Because of the great spiritual blessings in Christ, you have unlimited potential. You can become an imitator of God, Ephesians 5.1. But yet, there are many who struggle to complete the process of discipleship. What is involved in turning to Christ? What is essential to your spiritual progress? Here are three suggestions that will impact your spiritual life.
Make a “clean break” with your past. Don’t try to serve God while holding onto your former lifestyle. “Progress always consists in taking one or another of two alternatives; abandoning the attempt to combine them,” (Albert Schweitzer). In 2 Corinthians 6.17, Paul called on Christians to “come out and be separate,” and make a clean break with the world. Give careful consideration to the friends you choose, the places you go, and the habits you engage in. As long as you hold on to the past, you will never develop a strong, meaningful relationship with Christ.
Courageoulsy trust God. Ask, “am I willing to take a real risk based on my trust in what God can do?” Are you willing to step out in faith and let God go to work in your life? Will you trust Him no matter what? The courage to change comes out of character. Ask, “What kind of person am I?” “Do I have any “root” in myself?” Courage that comes from character is a matter of choice. God’s ways work. Do you trust Him enough to adopt and live by Christian principles?
Make a promise to do what you have decided. “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one,” (James Anthony Froude). The mere possession of a desire to get to heaven is not enough. Act on your desire. You can make a little progress each day in finishing what you have started. “But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability,” 2 Corinthians 8:11. You cannot indefinitely “think about” what you are going to do—you must make a commitment to actually do it!
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful, Hebrews 10.23. Are you maintaining your confession? God wants you to make a commitment to Him. Are you making spiritual progress? We invite you to learn more about how to begin or strengthen your relationship with God at Kettering Church of Christ. We have a warm, positive environment where you can receive constant encouragement and spiritual nourishment to grow and thrive in your spiritual life. Join us tomorrow for worship. You’ll be glad you did.
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