| Bible Reading: Philippians 3
My father constantly told me that ‘a good soldier prepares for war in the time of peace’. In other words, his success at war time is dependent much on the training he has acquired before the war. But today, I see many Christians trying to prepare for the battle of life only when they find themselves in battle. Very little time is given to spiritual growth and skills development. We are so much engulfed in the “get it quick” syndrome.
I wish all Christians focus on growth – because it is naturally accompanied with a fruitful ministry, good success and a good life. Sometimes it baffles me that when some chronic sinners just give their lives to Christ, they immediately rush to Bible school and the next year they are already made Pastors. They get the position of a pastor but lack the disposition of a pastor. While it is good that we all engage in the ministry of reconciling men to God, it is not a substitute for our Christian growth. Some Christians are praying everyday to reach the zenith of their career, but they are spending no time to develop themselves. Some others do not even pray or read their bible until when they are in a difficult situation – You see them quoting Psalms.
So many times we go to God in prayer for things that we have not developed ourselves to handle. It’s like a 5 year old boy crying to his father to buy him a Hummer jeep. Even if the father buys it for him, he won’t let him drive it until he has developed to the age where he can handle it. Jesus Christ spent 30 years preparing to enter into the core of his purpose on earth. When I understood this principle, I began to focus more on growth because there are a lot of God’s blessings which are potentially ours, but do not become ours experientially until we have grown up.
If you are a good Christian, I probably have your attention. But if you are not, you may see Christianity as pressing a button to receive anything at anytime from God. Take a lesson from the trees. They don’t spend time worrying about having a great height. They focus on sipping water and nutrients from the soil, and in no time, they grow tall for all to see. Many Christians are struggling to get to great heights, but little do they know that great heights will naturally accompany a good growth.
I love the words of Tanzanian Marathon runner – Juma Ikangaa (1957): “The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare”. Beloved, in your career, ministry and life endeavors, I want you to see this time as a growing time. Develop your skills. Stretch your mind. Now is the time to study. Now is the time to pray. It is cheaper to do it now. It is easier to do it now. You can make your life very productive if you make today productive. Give today your best shot. Focus on growth. – tope aladenusi |
