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Philippians 3: 7-11 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

We all want to experience spiritual growth and success. Sadly, we all know people who have been spiritual failures in life. Maybe you see yourself that way. Some have grown in leaps and bounds spiritually, while others have not grown at all. Some have done great things for God and His Kingdom, while others have done nothing.

You might say, “Well, Christianity just didn’t work for me!” Listen, Christianity is not a product that works for some and not for others. Plain and simple: Christianity is Christ. He can and will work in any life that is truly devoted to Him. It’s been said, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It’s been found difficult and not tried.”

As Paul stated that all the things the world can provide is rubbish compared to being in the presence of the Lord and the privilege of knowing Him more.  Are there some material things that have overtaken our lives, that consume our thoughts or dominate our time? Perhaps God is drawing you to spend more time in prayer, or His Word, or serving others. What He really desires is our obedient and repentant heart more than mere sacrifices.  Pray through the following steps of a life  that honors God:

  1. Make the Lord the priority of your life. Is God your single focus?

  2. Love the Lord through being obedient and repentant – a broken spirit (Psalm 51;:7) Have you settled it in your mind that you are going to live by God’s princples found in His Word?

  3. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength (Deut 6:5)  We need to learn to worship the Lord on a daily basis. What’s one thing that you can do today that will show your love for God?

  4. Share in the work of the Lord through your church family (praying for one another, teaching, volunteering around the church, or saying simply saying “Hi” and welcoming all those around you each Sunday). There’s a spot for everyone…find out more at: www.LifeWay.cc/shape

Why do some succeed spiritually, while others fail? The short answer: Because they choose to. They want it, so they go for it. Others don’t really want it, so they don’t go for it. The truth is, we are as close to God as we want to be.

  • Ask the Lord to help you want to be closer to Him.

  • Which of the four steps of honoring God with your life do you need to work on this week? Ask God to strengthen you in that area and show you your next steps.

  • Pray that God would continue to unify our church family, that the schemes of the evil one would not derail us from accomplishing the great purposes of God in our community and world. Pray for His continued protection and provision for our church as we seek to minister in our community.