Our lives are filled with so many things to get done. The
ceaseless demands of work, taking care of our children and family, and just making
life work. It seems as if we are on an endless treadmill. Life seems to be changing
so fast. Everyone seems to be taken over by social media and technology. It has
become very fast-paced and many of us feel like we are being swept away by this
tide. Our attention is fragmented, our
time stretched thin, and our souls left longing for something more substantial.
Sometimes things become so confusing and are so forcefully thrust upon us that
we just want a break. How do we recharge our batteries and learn to find peace
in the chaos? The truth is we need to return to the basics of our faith, to
rediscover the unchanging foundation upon which we stand. In an era marked by
rapid change and shifting ideologies, returning to the basics of our Christian
faith is more vital than ever.
Jesus made a statement in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find
rest unto your souls.” I have found that when I am stressed, and I refocus on
Christ my mood gradually begins to change. Jesus is calling you, Jesus Is
calling me, and Jesus is calling us to rest, both physically, mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually. The key to this rest is to be yoked with Christ
and learn of Him. A Yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks
of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. Farmers
used to yoke two cows together to pull the plow to prepare the field for
planting or yoke two horses together to pull their carts or carriages. When
Christ and we are tied together and we are learning about Him and patterning
our lives after His, then we begin to find rest for our souls. As the song says “Turn
your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of Earth
will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
The Unchangeable Truth of Jesus Christ
Imagine yourself sitting down gazing at the vastness of the
sea or looking out at the horizon while enjoying the cool breeze and the warm
hues of the setting sun. As you close your eyes it is as though you can see the
figure of Jesus stretching out His hands to you and saying, “The heavens declare
the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1 KJV). In this breathtaking
panorama, there is an unmistakable sense of tranquility and peace. It's Jesus
Christ - the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If this scene
unfolded before you at this very moment, would your heart swell with joy or
quiver with fear? In a world where change is the only constant, Jesus remains
an unchanging truth - a steadfast anchor for our souls amidst life's turbulent
seas, especially for those who have embraced Him as their Lord and Savior.
The Call to Return to the Basics
In the hustle and bustle of our lives, it is easy to lose
sight of what truly matters in life, which is relationships. Relationship with
ourselves, with God, with our kids, with our husbands or wives, with our siblings,
with our friends, and with our neighbors. To develop this relationship requires love
and this love can only be received by being yoked together and learning about Christ
so that we are transformed into His image and Likeness. However, many of us are
swept up in the fast-paced "rat race," consumed by seemingly endless tasks
that leave our hearts feeling cold and our spirits weary. We're bombarded by a
constant stream of headlines and viral stories vying for our attention, often
blurring the lines between right and wrong. In a world where conflicting voices
clamor for dominance, it is time now to stop, yes just stop, and begin to
refocus on the source of our lives. Let us begin again to refocus on Jesus. Refocusing
on Jesus can stir up a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness to anger to
excitement.
In all this chaos, there is a quiet yet persistent call - a
call to strip away the noise and return to the basics of our faith. It's a call
to rediscover the beauty and simplicity of a life centered on God's truth. For
us as Christians, these basics are the foundational practices that nurture our
spiritual growth and deepen our connection with God.
Essential Practices for Spiritual Growth
Six essential practices form the foundation upon which our
spiritual lives are built, as we seek to grow daily in the knowledge of God and
in understanding His word.
Reading the Bible Daily: Make it a habit to immerse
yourself in the Scriptures every day. Let each page be a source of life and
truth, breathing fresh insight into your soul. The Bible isn't just a
collection of ancient texts - it's alive with the voice of God, illuminating
our path and shaping our understanding (Psalm 119:105). It is our measuring
stick when we are in doubt. It addresses a wide range of issues and can guide
every area of our lives. Despite the
voices that seek to distort its message, there will always be a faithful few
who hold fast to the truth. In recent years, there's been a surge of theories
and interpretations about the Bible, ranging from UFOs and aliens to
fantastical creatures being equated with angels or Jesus. With countless videos
and articles claiming authority on these matters, it's essential to approach
these interpretations with discernment.
Daily Devotion and Prayer: As you take a moment to bow your
head in prayer, let the worries of the world slip away as you connect with your
Heavenly Father. Prayer isn't just a routine—it's a vital lifeline, a direct
line of communication with the One who holds the universe in His hands (Matthew
6:6). The beauty of prayer is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. In a quiet
moment, you can silently lift your heart to God, knowing that His Spirit is
within you, listening to your every thought. And if you find it challenging to
pray alone, don't hesitate to seek out a prayer partner to join you, whether in
person or through other means like a phone call or video chat.
Engaging in Bible Study:
Study the bible with fellow believers whether in large or small groups.
Bible study is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is a journey - a journey
of discovery and transformation as we go deeper into the riches of God's Word
(2 Timothy 2:15). Many online resources can assist you as you engage in bible
study. You just need to be discerning and make sure that the teaching lines up
with what the Bible says. Studying by yourself is also important as you read
and meditate upon the scriptures. You may find scriptures that you didn’t know
existed or that explain things in a way that you never understood before. It
may be the same verse or passage, but your understanding opens to a different
perspective.
Worshiping with Other Believers: It is wonderful to stand in
a congregation with other believers, voices raised in praise and adoration.
Corporate worship is not simply a Sunday or Saturday morning ritual; it is a
sacred encounter - a moment of communion with the One who is worthy of all
honor and glory (Matthew 18:20).
Applying God's Word: Practice walking in the truths of
Scripture in your everyday life, each step a testament to the transforming
power of God's Word. Obedience is not simply a duty; it is a privilege - a
tangible expression of our love and devotion to the One who first loved us
(James 1:22). You may not always get things right and you will make mistakes
but if you continue to seek God’s help and guidance you will grow stronger in
your faith.
Sharing the Gospel: Stepping out in faith, and boldly proclaiming
the Good News to a world in desperate need of hope is something that all
Christians are asked to do. This can be done in many ways. Not everyone will be
speaking to or teaching in large groups. You can share with your friends and
relatives or even strangers, one-on-one, as the opportunities arise. You can
evangelize without speaking a word. Evangelism is not simply a task; it is a
calling - a divine commission to be ambassadors of reconciliation, shining the
light of Christ into the darkest corners of humanity (Matthew 28:19).
Overcoming Distractions and False Teachings
As you walk the path of faith, you'll face hurdles and
setbacks - distractions that tempt you off course and false teachings that aim
to deceive you. There might even be individuals who challenge your commitment
to serving God. Whenever this happens, please continue to press forward in
Christ. Remember that your connection with God is deeply personal. The more you
talk to Him in prayer and delve into His Word, the deeper your understanding of
and closeness to Him will grow. The better equipped you will be to resist the
devil and he will have no choice but to flee from you as the word of God tells
us.
This will allow us to know when He is speaking to us and
when the voice, we are hearing is that of someone else. As stated in John
10:4-5, “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his
sheep follow him because they know his voice.
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from
him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Also, John 10:27–28, “My
sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [28] And I give unto
them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck
them out of my hand.”
Persevering on the Journey
The call to return to the basics of our faith is not simply
a suggestion. It is a call to embrace the journey of discipleship with renewed
vigor and passion. As you do so, may you be filled with a sense of awe and
wonder at the beauty and majesty of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - the
same yesterday, today, and forever. May you be refreshed and encouraged,
growing in grace day by day.
Let us cast aside the distractions that compete for our
attention and fix our eyes firmly on the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Let’s
immerse ourselves in the timeless truths of Scripture and allow them to shape
and mold us into the image of Christ. As Hebrews 12:1 says, “Wherefore seeing
we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us.” Let us journey together, as we strive to live
our lives in ways that are pleasing and honoring to the One who loved us and
gave Himself for us.
For in Him, we find our true identities and our purposes. In
Him, we find the strength and courage to face whatever lies ahead. Let us press
on, dear friends, with hearts open and ready, knowing that He who has called us
is faithful, and He will surely bring to completion the good work that He has
begun in us (Philippians 1:6)
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