“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” –Phil. 3:14
The Christian life is meant to be a life of progress— and there is always room for growth. Since we never arrive at the full likeness of Christ in this life there is always a need for change. The problem is that our progress is often impeded and our growth is stunted. And we error in several different ways.
Some are going in circles. There is movement enough, but no actual progress. Others have wandered astray–moving, but in the wrong direction. Some have come to a complete stop—they make no effort and experience no progress. Some have done a 180, a total turn-around. They once were “defenders of the faith” but now defend the very things they once despised and denounced. Then there are those, and they are many, who move at a snail’s pace–headed in the right direction, but much slower than they should. They should be teachers, but are spiritual first-graders (Heb.5:12).
So, where are you? Have you been distracted and going in circles, or deceived and gone astray, or discouraged and sitting still, or 180 degrees from where you ought to be, or moving in the right direction at a snails pace? If you aren’t moving forever forward at a rate normal for you something is wrong, and you need to deal with it. Wherever you are and whatever the cause, if you aren’t moving forward you are headed for trouble. If you have ceased to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18) you are backsliden. Confess your sin. Conform your ways to the Scriptures. Commit yourself entirely to God. Get yourself on the move again and keep moving onward, upward, and forever forward.– HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
