Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

Focus, Integrity, Hard Work

There are three illustrations in today's reading that teach us a spiritual lesson. These are written from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, his young apprentice. Paul is teaching Timothy some spiritual leadership lessons that can help us too. 

The first is about a soldier not getting sidetracked from the mission. The second is about being a person of integrity; one who is trustworthy. Finally the third is about plain hard work; Paul is showing Timothy there's no way around giving your all to this mission for God.

 The first lesson is all about staying focused on what God has called you to do. Is it to be a mom, a teacher, a pastor, a leader, all of those? There are lots of good things in life, but when good things take us away from the best things, they are no longer good. 

The second lesson is about being a person of integrity. We all know of people who cut corners to get ahead, and sometimes they succeed. There's one problem with that when you're a Christian -- God is watching. If we want to honor the Lord and receive his blessing, we have to be honest, kind, trustworthy, keep our word, and do the right thing. This isn't about perfection, but an honest effort to get things right and to make things right when we don't. When we do this, God blesses us. 

Finally, God is honored when we work hard. Though he can do it all himself, he has left some of the work for us to do. This is our opportunity not to earn salvation, but to say thank you for God's faithfulness to us!

Divide up these three categories -- focus, integrity, and hard work -- and pray that God would help you in each area. Then take five minutes to pray for those who need to be strengthened in these areas as well. 

It's time to clear the mind and focus on Jesus. The texts can wait. The calls and emails don't need to be responded to right now. It's time for you and Jesus to meet. Push all the distractions aside and set all your thoughts on Jesus. At first, it's hard, but work at it, it'll get easier. 

Prayer: Jesus today is all about you! I want my life to reflect your goodness and love to those around me, so right now prepare my heart and mind to hear from you. Give me the spiritual eyes and ears to learn from you. Thank you in advance for what you're going to show me! In Jesus' name, amen!