Keep Moving Forward
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
The Christian life is a process of growing closer to the Lord and becoming more Christ-like until your last breath. Spiritual growth motivates us to a more fulfilling and exciting life in Christ, as we keep moving forward, pressing on toward our heavenly home.
Spiritual growth occurs as God molds us to be more Christ-like, and he opens doors for us as we mature in Christ. This is what makes following Christ through the Spirit challenging, fulfilling, and rewarding. Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) How can we move forward if we are looking backward? The only reason to look back is to see God’s faithfulness in our lives so that we trust him more in the future. If we are consciously seeking spiritual growth, to be closer to the Lord, to have him open more challenging doors, then we are experiencing the exciting fulfilling life the Lord has for us.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Life to the full only comes from the Lord and is achieved when we submit to being servants for the Lord. Our faith is pleasing to God, and this marks the full life that is an exciting life; a life that takes away fear from Satan. How can we ever have a full life if Satan fills us with his fear? God’s love in our hearts drives away Satan’s fear. As the world turns against Christians, our light for Christ will shine brighter and our prayers will multiply.
Martin Luther King Jr. stated: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Moving forward in Spiritual growth means becoming a more powerful courageous witness for Christ, and stepping out into the world to be a light for Christ for everyone.
Today seek to take a step into spiritual growth. Do something new such as encouraging someone, praying for someone, handing out a Biblical tract, inviting someone to church, or steering a conversation toward Christ. Be consciously aware of any opportunity to reflect Christ in your actions and words.
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to grow spiritually and to become more Christ-like until my last breath. Guide me in the Spirit to be a bold and courageous witness for Christ as you open new doors for me to minister to the world. In Jesus name, Amen