Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

How to Grow Spiritually – (3) Obey God

Matthew 7v24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

One of the most well-known stories Jesus told is the story of two builders: one builds on the rock and his house is safe in the storm, the other builds on sand and his house collapses in the storm.

Jesus states that the difference between the wise person and the foolish one is not whether they hear Jesus’ words, but whether they put His words into practice.

Growing spiritually is not about academic learning, nor is it a race to knowing more of either theology or the Bible. Christianity is a very practical living begun by our very practical Saviour who walked this earth. The Christian life is a quest to apply what we know of God and our relationship with Him in daily life. Of course we want to find out more of what God says, but the challenge is often to slow down, to think about what God is saying, apply it to our situation and then proceed to test it out for ourselves. This is part of the value of meditating on the Bible – it is allowing time for it to sink in and change us.

Our practical application has a direct feedback to our soul and spirit. It is like this – show steps of love and you are more likely to love someone; give generously and you are more likely to feel grateful and generous. This secret of Christian spiritual growth is often overlooked!

I wonder, what is the last thing that you took from the Bible and applied in your life? What is he saying to you in January 2024 that you need to make real?

With love and blessing,

Roland