Seems we humans excel at complicating things; we create endless lists of sure-fire ways to reach our goals in life. New books and curriculum continue to be offered in the Christian Book Distributor’s catalog. We pastors keep creating sermon series after sermon series on church health and growth, personal spiritual development, etc., etc. Now there’s absolutely nothing wrong with lists and goals and helpful advice on how to proceed in life in productive ways. But the older I get the less complicated I want my life to be.
Yesterday I was having my morning devotions, enjoying a piping hot cup of coffee (with a shot of Torani Chocolate Milano!).
The cup I was using has the words “Simplify — Life is Good” written on it. This morning I’m drinking from another “Life Is Good” cup, which on the backside (or is it the front?) are the words “TAKE IT SLOW” repeated over and over.
As I proceeded with my devotions I began reading in II Peter 3; the last verse (18) of this chapter was an eye-opener — and relevant to the “message” of my coffee mugs! Here Peter presents the simplest yet most powerful “formula” I’ve ever seen on spiritual growth! I read it in the NIV translation, then checked it out in other renderings and found the CEV (Contemporary English Version) perhaps best captures Peter’s point. It reads, “Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing.”
The Apostle Peter’s bottom line, simplified teaching for us on personal spiritual growth is stated in one verse! What Peter is talking about is spiritual growth (i.e. becoming more and more like Jesus) that finds its motivation in the way Jesus relates to us. It’s not just the knowledge and understanding Jesus imparts that helps us grow; Peter says it’s His “wonderful kindness,” His deep, unchanging, unmerited love for us that makes us want to grow!
The disciplines of prayer, Bible study, etc. are necessary for growth — but have nothing to do with grace. He already loves us perfectly and permanently. The disciplines for spiritual growth, therefore, don’t change God’s attitude toward us — they change our attitude toward Him as we come to understand who He is, how much He loves us, and how faithful He is toward us!
