No Easy Way
Be diligent to present yourself (KJV – study to show yourself) approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:14 NKJV.
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 NKJV.
Researchers in Australia have found a fascinating possibility of making your brain think that your body has had a good work out. Injecting a particular factor, they discovered that it mimicked in the brain the same effect as intense exercise. Dr. Tara Walker, also from the Queensland Brain Institute states: “It’s important to note this is not a replacement for exercise. But it could help the very elderly or someone who has had a brain injury or stroke to improve cognition.” (From the Journal Nature Communications and republished in Study Finds 09.18.23)
When I first read the article, I thought they had discovered a way to do away with the need to have physical exercise. Apparently not! There is still no easy way to get into shape physically. You will still have to walk, run, lift weights and be active physically for your body to be healthy.
Just as there is no easy way to having a physically fit body, there is no easy way to being spiritually fit. The truth is that to become mature spiritually takes some work. The apostle Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:2: “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it.”
Without some effort we will always be baby Christians drinking in the milk and never going beyond to maturity as a child of God. Simply going to church on Sunday mornings or once a twice a month with no real commitment will not make you a mature Christian. Reading a few verses of Scripture a day is a good thing, but it will not make you a mature Christian. Just as getting into shape physically takes some real effort becoming a mature Christian and being conformed to the image of Christ takes effort, takes commitment.
Make a commitment to spend more than a few minutes every day in prayer.
Make a commitment to read through the Bible on a yearly basis, but also take the time to study and to dig deeper into the Word. Memorize as many verses of Scripture as you are able to memorize.
Make a commitment to be in church every time the doors are open if you are physically able. Take advantage of additional opportunities for growth that your church offers.
Do you love the Lord? If you love the Lord, you will never be satisfied with the easy way. Make a commitment today to go beyond, to reach further than you ever have as a true faithful believer.