The party’s over – the anticipating, the planning, the celebrating.
As you reflect on the Easter activities you chose, did they draw your heart, and the hearts of those you engaged, toward Jesus? Did the focus honor the crux of your faith?
Of course, every day allows and necessitates our praise to God for restoration through Jesus. “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3 NIV). So, then, how does the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus make an impact on each of our days?
If we truly believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), we need to consider if we are allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into Jesus’ likeness. Do we act on what Galatians 2:20 says? “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (NIV).
We are not our own; we belong to Christ. We are also part of the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:27), and we are to proclaim Jesus in unity. Not only are people to know we are Christians by our love for each other (1 John 4:21), but we are to minister to each other using the gifts God has given us (1 Peter 4:10). This can help us grow in our faith, and because of our faith, as we regularly meet with a few believers. When we share and learn on deeper levels, we also provide the accountability needed to encourage growing in godliness.
Our God is relational and, thus, we are to be relational. Personal, daily time with God – through reading the Word, seeking its application, praying, and praising – is critical to the effectiveness of our time meeting with others. Because the scriptures were written to teach us, correct us, and train us in righteousness so that we can serve God through our actions (2 Timothy 3:16-17), meditating on and memorizing God’s Word is vital to our faith. Through this, we strengthen the foundation we build upon God and we deepen our trust in him as we learn his character. With God’s Word hidden in our heart, we have power through the Spirit to help us ward off sin’s temptations, demonstrate love, and experience God’s peace.
Are you meeting with a few other believers regularly to grow your faith? If not, why not? The benefits are valuable and the commitment is worthwhile and the effects are life-changing – if you allow it. Why not work through Keep on Track or Follow and Lead with a couple of other believers who also want to get serious about their faith growing? The 26 weeks of accountability, discussion, growth, and unity will be worth the effort! Satan surely does not want a believer to grow in his or her faith. He wants to keep each one of us distracted and disconnected.
Persevere with what should come next! “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25a NIV).
Get started by ordering a Heart Training book for you and an accountability partner today!