Did you ever work really hard to get in good shape, lose twenty pounds or so, for a wedding or for vacation? You did it and you were looking and feeling the best you had in a very long time. But on vacation there were lots of treats and opportunities to eat out, and you took it easy. Legitimately, right? A few meals off shouldn’t be a problem. You can’t figuratively keep your fist clenched all the time. But the problem was, one meal turned into another, a midnight snack into a couple, and before you knew it, you had lost all your progress. You were back to square one.
It might not have been physical health for you, but for sure you have an area of your life where you “backslid.” You quit paying attention to your priorities and ended back where you started, or maybe even further back. Nowhere does that happen easier than in your spiritual growth and progress.
Paul talked about that to the Galatians. He said to them when he had learned about their discouraging return to old mindsets and habits, “You were running so well. Who or what has cut in on you to keep you from following the truth?” (Galatians 5:7).
We just concluded our study on 10X Living, and I’ve heard incredible stories of people making tremendous spiritual progress in their relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s been so wonderful across NewPointe to see all ages of people from our Next Gen all through our older folks excited about their new commitments, growth, and closeness to Jesus.
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You don’t want that passion to fade. Maybe you had a powerful spiritual experience, a moment you will always remember, and maybe even people that became part of your journey. But now your group is not meeting consistently or you’re taking a break. Legitimate, right? You can’t run at max speed all the time. That’s not the point.
God doesn’t want you to lose your momentum, however. That’s a different thing. He wants you to keep growing and developing your relationship with Him. You want to maintain your hunger for God, and maintain your focus.
How can you make that happen? Here are a few things that are guaranteed to keep the fire going:
- Commit to attending the weekend services. This is huge. Regular attendance will allow you to reconnect with God and people and refocus on what’s important.
- Commit to reading The Daily. These are daily devotionals that directly relate to the weekend messages and give you regular inspiration and guidance for staying on track.
- Commit to serving regularly. You will experience the thrill of being used by God to build His Kingdom. He will use you to bless and encourage others. Nothing grows you faster.
- Commit to joining the 3-Month Tithe Challenge. You will learn to depend on God in a deeper way. This commitment will keep you pressing into God, praying, and acting in faith.
- Commit to consistently and intentionally inviting your family, friends, and co-workers to come to our weekend services. Tell them you’ll save a seat and sit with them. Do everything you can to make them feel welcome. Introduce them to others.
If you do these things, you will be blessed! Your relationship with God will deepen. After all, he promises in James 4:8, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”