Staying Power 12

Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 17: 23-37

When you were baby, you ate food to grow. When you grew older, you did not begin to feed on stones. You are still stuck with food. But I have seen many Christians who fed on good food at a time, but they got to a point where they felt they have advanced in the things of life, and started feeding on stones. Their end result was visible – they are no longer consistent in every good thing they do. What do I mean?

Sometimes the principles and relationships that took you to the top are what you need to stay on top. If you climbed up being a good student of God’s word, you may not stay long there if you now throw away the Bible and read only management and motivational books; If many couples could treat each other like they did during courtship, many of the marriage problems will be solved; Is it not funny that some believers get to a new level and then they think they need a new wife that matches that level; Some Christians get to positions of influence via honesty and hard work, and they now want to use corrupt practices to remain there; Others get to leadership position by serving people diligently, but when it was just time to demonstrate a higher level of service, they became a semi-god.

Although we may change methods and approaches as we approach the top, we should remember that the fundamental principles of success as outlined in scriptures is applicable to every level we are. We do not outgrow them.

When Goliath threatened the Israelites, they were all in fear. Even though God had led them through many victories, they felt it won’t be applicable with a giant like Goliath. But David came and said – God who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. He did not have an experience of war like the other soldiers of Israel, but he sure had an experience of victory over wild animals, and he applied the same principle to defeat wild goliath.

Colossians 2:6-7 says – … as you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Rooted and built up in him, and established in faith, as ye have been taught. Hmn … Don’t expect to see a different formula in advancing as a Christian, it is the first formula you used that got you saved = hearing + believing + acting.

Divine principles are universal in application, potent in every generation and applicable in every position. You do not need to feed on stones as you grow. Just stick with good food.

tope aladenusi