It appears that one of mankind's needs is the need to upgrade. We are never content with the status quo. We always need more, deeper, higher, faster, smoother and so on. As soon as a software upgrade comes along we download and look out for new stuff. We only have to look at the world of advertising to see this trend. One washing powder after another since their introduction has promised a 'whiter' wash than the previous generation and usually that goes together with a visual comparison of the dull 'old' and the bright 'new' clothing item. I mean how white can you go!
This basic human urge can also appear in our walk with God. When we first enter into a relationship with Jesus (Christianity V1.00) everything is new and fresh and we discover things for the first time. We read the Scriptures and discover how great God is, how extensive and all encompassing His teachings and also that He has expectations of us. We go to a church where everyone is committed and we are overwhelmed by the love and fellowship shown to us. We take notes because the sermons are powerful, exciting and open our minds to teachings we did not know existed. We pray for the first time and it is new and not that comfortable yet and often we do not know what to say and are amazed at the prayers of others that appear so deep and insightful. We sing His praises loud and its new because the only singing we have done is in the shower or the car and with no-one else present because we think our voice is terrible. We tithe willingly because the Scriptures convict us that it is for God. Our slender faith is stretched as we are encouraged to share it with others (and horror upon horrors, even with complete strangers) and we think that we have nothing to share in the presence of so much mature faith. We are baby Christians on the edge, everything we learn about is different and it is exciting.
Then time happens and 10 years go past in the wink of an eye and when we look at the picture again it has completely changed. God's version of Christianity is still V1.00 but we have slotted ourselves into a comfortable spiritual rut. We have read most of the Bible a few times over, are very familiar with some of the verses and have lost the overpowering need to know God better and now we only read it when have time (yeah right). We know all the songs, the new magic is gone and we sing because it would look odd if we did not. We may bring a Bible to church, more for show than much else because we have heard it all before and we may or may not follow the Scriptures being preached about. Prayer is a monotonous spiritless daily ritual. We have shared our faith with all our friends and relatives and have lost the urge to do more. More often than not we skip organised gatherings because they do not fit into our schedule and tiredness and not feeling like it have become valid excuses. Tithing becomes optional as and when we have some extra cash available. Now what? Has God changed? Why is there no V2.68 a newer more exciting version that can keep us on our toes again. We want to be entertained with something new. Whats going on! Our faith appears much weaker than when we first started.
We made the incorrect assumption that spiritual growth comes with physical aging but just being around the church and its people does not induce growth. What has happened is that we have lost track of who we are worshiping. It is not about the external signs and actions of worship but about the internal awe we have for a God who created the universe and mankind. We looked at our sinful lives and accepted His offered Son as a sacrifice. Mature faith understands this and has grown into it and we would do well to understand this.
Advice from Paul
PHP 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling...
Obedience, when no-one is present and an understanding of the greatness of salvation causing us to be spiritual, even when alone.
PHP 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure...
Seek spiritual solutions instead of following human urges BECAUSE that leads to purity.
1TH 5:16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Less affected by external circumstances (MESSAGE - "be cheerful no matter what"), staying close to God throughout the day, continuously grateful for everything that happens because we know God is in control.
Advice from David
PS 119:15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
Dwell on the Scriptures all the time, trying to understand what God is saying, considering the mighty things He has done in the past and ask and beg Him for understanding. These are just a few Scriptures to help us understand some of the elements that a long term walk with God needs to contain. At first these make sense from a technical understanding point of view but as life progresses they need to become part of who we are.
We have used the marriage analogy before and it is just as apt here. When we first meet our life partner the things that attract us to each other are completely different from the things that keep us together decades later. At first it is emotion and passion but this fades (but never away) after a year or two and needs to be replaced by trust, comfort, love, friendship, understanding and all those characteristics that grow in a relationship that spends a lot of time together. A relationship with God is no different. When we first meet Him, as described above, it is mostly emotion and passion with some reason thrown in to help us make the right decision. Years later all the long term characteristics of a strong friendship have been added to mature the relationship into something deep and meaningful.
We cannot change all our weaknesses at once (and the mountain can seem overwhelming) but as Steve, an old friend of mine, once preached in a message to new teachers in our children's ministry, take one thing (at a time) that you are weak in and ask God for insight and wisdom so that you can change it and see where your spiritual growth can go.
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