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Staying Strong in Faith

Why Spiritual Growth Needs Daily Care

One of the first lessons I encountered in my journey toward earning a Doctor of Theology was a simple yet profound concept from the Second Law of Thermodynamics: "Everything winds down" unless there’s intervention from an outside, deliberate force. This principle, which applies to every aspect of creation, is especially true in our spiritual lives. Without consistent, purposeful care, our faith and dedication can easily begin to decline, much like a ball rolling downhill.

Staying Vigilant in Our Daily Walk with God

This natural tendency toward spiritual decline is why we must be vigilant in our daily walk with God. It is essential to:

  • Pray Daily: Communing with God each day keeps us aligned with His will and refreshes our spirit.
  • Stay in the Word: Weekly, and even daily, exposure to God’s Word strengthens our foundation, providing wisdom and guidance.
  • Seek Fellowship: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers encourages us, keeps us accountable, and fuels our faith.
  • Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Yielding to the Holy Spirit keeps us connected to God’s power and guidance, enabling us to live out His purpose for our lives.

The Role of Pastors and Teachers

Additionally, God has called pastors and teachers to help us stay on the right path, keeping us connected to His Word and His ways. Pastors are tasked with the responsibility of leading us, holding to the standards required to maintain a biblical ministry and a Christ-honoring church. Just as the Second Law of Thermodynamics suggests, without an intentional, sustaining force, even churches and believers can slowly deteriorate, becoming indistinguishable from worldly organizations.

The Importance of Supporting Spiritual Leadership

The truth is, we are far more likely to backslide than we are to grow spiritually if we are not actively pursuing growth. This is why we need the guidance of spiritual leaders. When your pastor—like I am endeavoring to do here at Mission Baptist Church—provides direction intended to help both you and the church family uphold a God-honoring environment, give him your full support. Stand alongside him, even when it’s difficult or requires explaining your beliefs to family and friends. Rid yourself of any rebellious spirit, and seek to be a supporter of the vision God has placed in your pastor's heart.

Commitment to Spiritual Maintenance

In following these steps and standing firm in our faith, God will be glorified, our church will be strengthened, and we will be blessed. Let us commit to consistent spiritual maintenance, allowing God to continually renew and grow us for His glory.