Train Your Spirit: Steps to Spiritual Growth

Do you ever feel stuck, spiritually speaking?

Maybe you feel like you haven’t grown much since you began your faith journey. Maybe you’ve been going through the same motions for years. If so, you are probably tired of the same old scenario day in and day out.

The “feeling of being stuck” can manifest in various ways. It is often linked to feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. There can also be a sense of being trapped in an inescapable situation. This state is connected to stress or mental health conditions. 

Here’s a breakdown of what this feeling entails:

• Helplessness and Powerlessness: A core aspect of feeling stuck is the inability to control or change a situation. This leads to feelings of being overwhelmed. Individuals feel unable to make progress.
• Entrapment: The feeling of being trapped or unable to escape from a difficult situation. It can also refer to an unpleasant situation caused by uncontrollable stress or chronic circumstances. 
• Psychological Impact: This feeling can be linked to various mental health conditions. These include depression. Individuals experience a sense of being lost. They feel unable to pull themselves together or feel like giving up. 
• Manifestations: The “being stuck” feeling can manifest in different ways. This includes feeling lost or unable to make decisions. It can also be a lack of motivation or direction in life. 
• Coping Strategies: If you are experiencing this feeling, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Exploring your feelings and developing coping strategies can be helpful. 

Pressing Toward the Goal

Being stuck is frustrating. So much wasted time. The same daily grind. If you are stuck, you are not alone. But it’s time to move ahead. The apostle Paul continually pressed toward his goal of becoming or being mature in Christ. He acknowledged that he had not attained the goal, but he kept moving onward. “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But I focus on one thing. I forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal. I want to win the prize that God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

Paul confessed he was not perfect, yet being stuck was not a choice. He painted a great picture of a runner who strained toward the goal. In other words, Paul assumed responsibility for his spiritual growth.

Track and Field athletes must prepare for their competitions way before they reach the starting line. As a former track athlete I can tell you it required conditioning and strength building to compete. If you want to get in shape for track season, then you should start with a well-orchestrated training plan.

Train Yourself to be Godly

Paul challenged Christians to partner with God in the process of becoming more Christlike. He told believers to “train yourself to be godly. Physical training is of some value. Yet, godliness has value for all things. It holds promise for both the current life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:7-8).

Paul borrowed a term from the realm of athletics. The verb is translated in different versions of the Bible as “exercise,” “discipline,” or “train.” It originally referred to the training of young athletes for participation in the competitive games of the day.
Timothy had been Paul’s companion and co-laborer for several years. Paul still felt it necessary to write to him. He said, “(exercise) train yourself to be godly.” And if Timothy needed this encouragement, then surely we also need it today.

Many of Christians stay in the same place spiritually despite God’s clear instructions to press onward. We’ve heard sermons, read books and attended conferences, yet we are the same. We know that there is more. So, why are we still stuck in spiritual adolescence?

I believe it is because many Christians don’t know who they are. Most Christians like understanding in who God created them to be. We are tempted to find our identity based on society’s viewpoint. Genesis chapter 1:27 says, “God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God he created them. Male and female he created them.”

The stakes are high. Knowing who you are is critical. You are a chosen people and a royal priesthood. You are a holy nation and a people belonging to God. You declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

In this day, it is important to know who you are in Christ. The invitation to follow Him is an invitation to a new identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has gone. The new is here!“

Moving ahead in your faith requires strength, stamina and confidence. It brings blessings and fulfillment in this life and rewards in eternity.

Blessings!

Minister Fran