Look at this scenario. A person has a goal to get six pack abs, so they work out everyday and maybe even make sure they eat right. Once they obtain their goal they are excited! They then decide they are content where they have gotten and decide to stop working out. What do you think happens? Will they be able to keep the six pack while not working out those muscles? Of course not!! Most likely if the person stops working out they go back to a couch potato. So the person has to decide are they going to put in the work or let themselves go back to where they started.They just can't stay where they are doing nothing.
Now you might be saying what does that have to do with anything? I am glad you asked. Here is another scenario. A believer reads the Bible, talks to God and feels like they have a pretty good relationship with God. They can quote some Bible verses to people, and loves to help others. This believer says "you know I feel like I have a pretty good relationship with God, its okay if I am not reading my Bible as much as I used to". Hmmm...
Just like the physical body needs nourishment you have to feed yourself spiritually. Now lets reference some Bible verses. In Matthew 4:1-4 it talks about how Jesus was fasting and devil comes around trying to stir up some trouble. The devil knowing Jesus was hungry tells him to turn a stone to bread. Jesus responds saying "But Jesus replied, "It is written and forever remains written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God" ~Matthew 4:4". The Bible is Gods words to us. This tells us, as we can't just live life with the physical food, but we must feed ourselves spiritually with the Word of God.
In 1 Peter 2:2 it says " like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment]". If we are a believer in Christ then we should long to continually grow in him so we can be changed. Just like a person working out, not putting the work in= decreasing in strength. Why would this change in the spiritual aspect? If we aren't feeding our spirit to grow closer to Jesus then we are decreasing our relationship with him.
I definitely am not perfect, but that doesn't mean I should not strive to be better. Maybe it seems reading the Bible is a struggle but this doesn't mean I stay content with that.Yes the devil will throw things in my way to get me distracted or to stumble BUT it's not an excuse. Yes I can get busy with my life and the things that have to get done, BUT it's still not an excuse. God gave us the Bible as a resource to grow STRONGER against the devil and to grow CLOSER to Christ. It is up to us to use the Bible to our advantage. God isn't going to force you to have a relationship with him, he will only give you the chance.
God has given you the equipment to strengthen your relationship with him. Will you decide to grow?
Lord, thank you for another day. God forgive me for letting the excuses of life hinder my growth towards you. I want to grow my relationship with you Jesus so that I can stand against the attacks of the devil. Your Word tell us the only way to you God is through your son Jesus (John 14: 6).
I pray for anyone hurting Lord that you heal them. God open the eyes of the lost, give them a heart to long for your presence. Have mercy on the lost souls. Guide me Lord, use me. Here am I , Send me.
In Jesus' name,
AMEN
