November 6, 2023
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
-Colossians 3:16
Think back to any roadtrip you have taken, just not any road trip you have taken on two (or maybe three) wheels. I’m talking about a road trip in the car, whether alone or with friends or family. What do you remember most about the time in the car? I would venture to guess that it was getting where you were going and getting out of the car, that is what you remember the most. Now, think about a trip you took on your motorcycle, any trip. Do you detect a distinct difference in what you recall from that trip? Chances are you remember more of the sights, the sounds, even the smells that were part of the journey. I know that I can recall, with more clarity, many of my trips on my motorcycle than I can those that I took in the car. I believe that we recall our motorcycle adventures more clearly for a reason, and that is because we are more immersed in the experience, more of our senses are incorporated, it is as if we have become a part of our surroundings rather than merely passing through, as it feels when we are in a car. We are part of the moment and it is so easy for us to recall the minute details with complete clarity because it was a genuine experience.
Our faith should be more like taking a trip on our motorcycle, but for most of us, our faith is more like that of riding in a car. We are dulled to the splendor and wonder of our faith and, rather than experiencing it, deeply and richly, we are in a rush to get to the end of the line.
When was the last time you studied your Bible? Not just merely read the words so that you could check off a box in a Bible reading plan, or to at least say that you read the Word that day. I mean really studying the Word, praying about the meaning, reading commentaries, study notes, anything that provides you with a deeper understanding of what you are reading as opposed to a superficial understanding of what you have read? Reading the Word, meditating on the Word, and applying it to your life is spoken of many times in the Bible, here are just two examples.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
-2 Timothy 3:16,17
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
-Colossians 3:16
Okay, maybe you are studying the Word, but what about your prayer life? How frequently do you turn your thoughts to Him and take time out of your life to speak with Him, whether in a moment of need or in a moment of praise? Guess what, God’s Word has much to say about prayer as well! Look at these familiar words from the first letter of Paul to the church at Thessalonica:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Maybe you claim to not pray as you should because you don’t know what you should pray for. The good news is that God already knows, whether you can put it into words or not. God can see through it all and your words may even become superfluous.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
-Romans 8:26
What is important is that you make time to pray, no matter the circumstance, in the good and the bad. Speak to the Father faithfully.
Again, maybe your prayer life is an excellent example for everyone and you feel you don’t need to address this point in your life, but what about your fellowship with others? Do you make time to connect yourself with fellow believers or do you prefer to only seek solitude in your time of worship and fellowship? It is important to our faith and our spiritual growth that we fellowship with other believers. Christ even spoke these often quoted words, as found in the gospel of Matthew:
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
-Matthew 18:20
I am sure, if we are all being honest with ourselves, we can find at least one area of our lives where our spiritual growth is stagnant, almost like it is on autopilot or, worse still, forgotten altogether. Have I presented an exhaustive list of how we should find ourselves fully immersed in our faith? Not even close, but these are certainly some great places to start. We could go on and talk about meditating on the Word, fasting, memorizing scripture, repentance, worship, rest, solitude, giving, serving, obedience, disciple-making, I could keep going but I think you get the idea.
When we find ourselves immersed in our faith, rather than just passing through, we grow in a manner that we may have never imagined possible. Our relationship with Christ becomes the focal point of our lives, and our living witness becomes an example to those around us. An incredible thing happens when we truly experience our faith.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:16
