If we preserve proper respect for God and His instructions then we will also preserve our spiritual growth. This means choosing a remorseful heart when we sin. It is easy for some of us to allow too much freedom to the point that we follow destructive passions instead of a disciplined heart.
Make it a practice to ask God for a holy heart, and for a sorrowful heart when you sin. After Paul corrected the Corinthians he wrote: “Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal.” I Cor. 7:11 (NLT)
Be careful not to take unholiness too lightly. Do not laugh when you should mourn. Remember the words of James: “your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:8-9 (NLT) Therefore, walk in the Spirit and maintain a good conscience. If you get distracted by temptation then collect yourself as soon as possible and center yourself again on God’s Spirit inside you. Let Him form you spiritually.
Make it a practice to ask God for a holy heart, and for a sorrowful heart when you sin.
If you have a bad habit commit your will to withdrawing from it; it takes much effort to break a bad habit because you have indulged your corruption. It is much better to avoid the beginning of anything that can become a bad habit. It becomes a huge barrier to spiritual growth.
Don’t dwell on other people’s affairs or try to associate with the popular people. Attend to your own affairs and remain humble before others. Don’t get puffed up about yourself when you receive attention. And don’t be discouraged because you are not one of the popular ones.
We don’t really need a lot of physical comforts. Let go of them when you can. Rather, seek spiritual comfort from God but even more seek to love God regardless of your feelings and circumstances. This is an important key to spiritual growth.
Develop an eternal perspective and the things of the world will not trouble you so much. It becomes much easier to choose the way of the Cross, die to self, and find new resurrection life for your soul. If we cling to the warm pleasures of the body our heart will eventually turn cold.
May you receive and embrace these words of encouragement!
This post is partly based on Chapter 21 of the classic The Imitation of Christ.
