Introduction: Do you long to be entertained? Where is your heart focused? Is it on “spiritual things” or “carnal things”? Far too many Christians are feeding on carnal things all through the week and then expecting to soar in heavenly places in Christ Jesus on Sunday, especially when the trials come—and they do come. Unfortunately, it does not work that way. Instead, just as having a proper nutritional regimen keeps the physical body healthy, having a disciplined spiritual life keeps one’s spiritual focus sharp. By the way, how is your spiritual health? Is nagging worry winning? Is the love of Calvary lacking? Are you finding your patience parting? Is your faith fizzling? Remember, “a faith that fizzles at the finish was faulty at the first”! In other words, make sure that your faith is firmly anchored in Jesus!
What about your attitude—does it need adjusting? This is a constant for most of us. All of this could be the result of a carnal diet. But how can we turn the tide? How can we change our bad habits? How can we overcome a carnal appetite and turn it into a spiritual hunger? Just watching religious YouTube channels will not do, though that may be good.
First, only a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ can do it. That means talking and listening, but also obeying. Next, yielding our lives under the full control of the Holy Spirit will result in a life that has power to overcome. Then, by feasting on the Word of God (the purpose of these daily devotions), we will receive truth that transforms, which results in a life pleasing to God. Finally, by fleshing out—working outwardly what God the Holy Spirit works inwardly—will bring about a changed mindset, which will result in a changed lifestyle.
Here are a few verses of Scripture that sum it up:
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Cor 3:1–3)
You see, just being a part of a church is only the starting place. But growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ is a process that is deliberate. It will not automatically happen. Rather, it must be intentional. In other words, we must purpose in our hearts to pursue a deeper, more lasting desire for the spiritual things of God. Will you right now? What do you need to let go? What do you need to hold on to?
LET GO of fear and worry, LET GO of anger and resentment, LET GO of carnal thinking, LET GO of meaningless relationships, LET GO of self-indulgence, LET GO of pleasing self, LET GO of the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life, LET GO of the love of money.
HOLD ON to Jesus! HOLD ON to your Bible! HOLD ON to hope—confident expectation! HOLD ON to following the will of God! HOLD ON to a clear conscience! HOLD ON to wisdom from above! HOLD ON to the peace of God! HOLD ON to the love of Christ! HOLD ON to heaven in the near future! HOLD ON to Jesus coming again! HOLD ON to the promises of God!
And the church said… AMEN!!
Conclusion: Building spiritual muscles requires spiritual training. Don’t forget to go to your spiritual gym daily. Change your diet at the same time. Say goodbye to carnal living, but say hello to the new you! Make it a habit. Stick to it. You will be glad, and our Lord will be glorified!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
