My last blog post posed the question, “If the abundant life is God’s standard for me then why does victory seem so elusive? ”   A major reason is that we live in the room of good intentions – we try to live the Christian life in our own strength rather than depending upon God’s strength in the room of grace.

Another reason that trips us up is that we view victory as a matter of course, we think it’s automatic.  Perhaps we live by the motto, “Let go and let God” – we think that certainly that must be in the Bible, maybe it’s in the book of Hesitations.  The problem with that belief is the rest of the Bible does not teach passivity in the Christian life.  The writer of the book of Hebrews makes this clear,

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.  (Hebrews 2:1)

The truth is we don’t drift into godliness.  A few chapters later he admonishes us to have a healthy fear that we would come short of the rest that God has for us.

Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it.  (Hebrews 4:1)

In the next chapter he emphasizes that through practice we can  become trained to discern good and evil.  The word “trained” conveys the idea of vigorous excercise of either the body or the mind.

But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.  (Hebrews 5:14)

The same Greek word that is translated “trained” is used by the Apostle Paul as he encouraged his protege in the faith Timothy.  In  this next verse it is translated “discipline”,

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; (1 Timothy 4:7)

Likewise the Apostle Peter makes a similar appeal for living an intentional life in seeking after God,

Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  (2 Peter 1:10)

 Are you practicing those disciplines that lead to godliness?  The downward pull of the world in conjunction with the weakness of our flesh conspire to keep us from walking in victory.  We must be intentional in walk with God.  May Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians inspire you to keep pressing on,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:14)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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