Positioning Ourselves for Spiritual Growth: Practices That Transform

Positioning Ourselves for Spiritual Growth: Practices That Transform

On our journey of faith, we find ourselves frequently seeking ways to deepen our relationship with God and live out our beliefs more fully. But how do we position ourselves to experience true spiritual growth and transformation? Let's explore three essential practices that can help us align our lives more closely with God's will and experience the fruit of a vibrant faith.

1. Meditating on God's Word
At the heart of spiritual growth lies a deep engagement with Scripture. But this goes beyond mere reading – it involves meditating on God's Word day and night. This practice of biblical meditation is vastly different from the emptying of the mind associated with New Age philosophies. Instead, it's about filling our minds with God's truth, pondering its meaning, and seeking to apply it to our lives.

Joshua 1:8 beautifully captures the essence and promise of this practice: "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

When we consistently meditate on Scripture, we position ourselves to experience true biblical prosperity – an abundance of the good things of God. This isn't about material wealth, but rather about cultivating healthy families, whole relationships, and lives free from the burdens of sin and worldly concerns.

Meditation can be practiced both individually and collectively. Personal time in God's Word is crucial for cultivating our own faith, but coming together with other believers to study and discuss Scripture can provide fresh insights and mutual encouragement.

2. Fasting: Praying with the Body
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by great men and women of faith throughout biblical history. From Elijah and Esther to Jesus and the apostles, fasting has been a source of spiritual strength and preparation for significant moments in their journeys with God.

We see a powerful example of this in Matthew 4:1-2, where Jesus fasts for 40 days in the wilderness before facing temptation from the devil. This wasn't just about abstaining from food; it was about positioning Himself spiritually to overcome the enemy's schemes.

Jesus taught His disciples about fasting in Matthew 6:16-18, emphasizing the importance of fasting in secret, without drawing attention to ourselves. This practice isn't meant to be a public display of piety, but rather a private devotion that strengthens our relationship with God.

Fasting has been described as "praying with the body." It's a way of demonstrating with our physical being that we are no longer bound by the desires of the flesh, but are instead pursuing a deeper connection with God. When we fast, we deny our physical appetites to focus more intently on our spiritual needs.

3. Connecting with Fellow Believers
Our spiritual growth doesn't happen in isolation. We were saved into community, and regular connection with other believers is essential for our positioning as disciples of Christ. Ephesians 2:17-22 paints a beautiful picture of believers being "built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

The culture in the western world emphasizes extreme individualism, we must remember that God never intended for us to walk this journey alone. Being part of a community of faith provides strength, support, and opportunities for growth and maturity that we simply can't experience on our own.

This connection goes beyond just attending church on Sundays (though that's certainly important). It involves prioritizing time with other believers, whether through small groups, Bible studies, or simply sharing meals and life together. Jesus Himself often modeled this by dining with others and attending celebrations – using these times of fellowship to reveal His heart and nature.

Inviting someone over for dinner, going to the park with other families, or finding ways to build relationships with fellow believers outside of formal church settings are all valuable ways to foster this essential connection.

Putting It Into Practice
As we consider these three practices – meditating on God's Word, fasting, and connecting with fellow believers – it's important to remember that they are meant to produce fruit in our lives, not become burdensome rituals. The goal is transformation and a deeper walk with God, not just checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list.

To help implement these practices, consider this three-step approach:

1. Create, don't wait for opportunities. Take initiative in making space for these practices in your life.
2. Don't delay – do it now for a better day. Begin where you are, with what you have.
3. Even though it's tough, don't neglect the hard stuff. Often, it's the challenging aspects of these practices that shape us the most.

As we engage in these spiritual disciplines, we position ourselves to experience God's transforming power in our lives. We open ourselves up to His work within us, allowing Him to shape our character, deepen our faith, and align our lives more closely with His will.

Remember, it's not about perfection, but about progress. Each step we take in meditating on God's Word, fasting, and connecting with other believers is a step towards a richer, more vibrant faith. These practices help us to be more attuned to God's voice, more resistant to temptation, and more connected to the body of Christ.

So, let's challenge ourselves to incorporate these practices into our lives. Let's create opportunities for spiritual growth, start right where we are, and embrace even the difficult aspects of these exercises. As we do, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us – a life marked by His presence, power, and purpose.

May we all be encouraged to pursue these practices with intentionality and perseverance, knowing that as we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us. Let's position ourselves for transformation and watch as God works in and through us in ways we never thought possible.