Don't Just Maintain!

             At my doctor’s visit today, I complained that even though I have been trying to exercise more and be more careful about what I eat, I never seem to lose more than a pound or two.  The doctor’s answer was not what I wanted to hear but the more I think about it, the more sense it makes.  She said, “You are just maintaining.  To lose more, you must do more.”  That means more exercise and better food choices, not exactly what I had in mind.  I was looking for a quick fix but like most things in life, there isn’t one.

            The same thing applies to our relationship with God.  If we pray and read a few Scripture verses every day, we will maintain a relationship with God, but we won’t grow in that relationship.  Ideally, none of our relationships with God should be the same as they were a year ago, or five years ago, or ten years ago.  If they are the same, then we have just been maintaining, not growing. 

            So, what does “doing more” mean when we are talking about our relationship with God?  It depends on where you are starting, but here are a few suggestions.

            First, you need to build a community that will help to hold you accountable.  That starts with church attendance.  I know that we all got lazy during the pandemic, watching services online, but an online service will never compare to joining with like-minded people in the same room, praising and worshiping God.  If you aren’t attending services in person, that’s where you need to start, but that is far from the finish.  Next, you need a small group of some kind to encourage and inspire you to grow.  It may be a Sunday School class or a few friends who meet for a Bible Study and fellowship, or it may be a group that inspires you to memorize Scripture.

            Next, you need to study, not just read, God’s Word.  You don’t have to have a Bible College degree to study the Bible, but you do need to know a few starting points.  Recognize that the Bible is one complete story, even though it’s broken out into several books.  Then, when you read a passage, consider who wrote it, who it was written to, when it was written, and what comes before and after that text.  Don’t take passages out of context.  You may need to read it in several translations or consult a commentary to get a better understanding.  However, in choosing commentaries, be wise.  Not every “commentary” gives an accurate explanation of Scripture.

            Finally, you need to look for a way that you can be of service to God’s Kingdom and don’t even think about using the excuse that you don’t have any talents or gifts.  Everyone can do something. There are always needs in the children’s department or facilities, or for people to just have a smiling face and welcome newcomers.  Trust me.  There is someplace that God has designed just for you!

            If you want to see change, it will take action on your part.  You must do more than just “maintain”.  I hope you will try as the results will be well worth the effort.  As for me, I’m off to do a little more exercise. 😊

II Peter 3:18

I Peter 3: 15

II Timothy 2 15