Growth is a process. Building up strength is gradual. However, it should be taking place and effort is necessary to make it happen. We can’t expect strengthening to come by doing nothing.
The following strengthening concept has been suggested. Take a ten-pound potato sack and lift it several times each morning for a week. On the second week repeat the daily exercise with a twenty-pound potato sack. On the third week continue the daily exercise with a fifty-pound potato sack. If this has all gone well, on the fourth week try putting a few potatoes into the sack.
Someone has stated, “It is difficult for an empty sack to stand upright.” [source:”1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] We might go on to say that trying to build up physical strength with an empty potato sack will bring no benefit either. For us to mature and stand strong spiritually, we need to be filled, but with the right stuff; not filled with “potatoes”, but with “fruit” that will help us gain strong spiritual stature.
Note Paul’s prayer for the Christians at Philippi.
“(9) And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, (10) so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (11) filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)
First of all, to be fruitful we must have a proper connection to the life source. (i.e. John 15:4-5) Properly connected to our Lord our life will then be filled with a fruitfulness that glorifies God and upholds His standard for life. Our life needs to be filled with the “fruit of the Spirit”; the inner qualities Paul listed in his letter to the church at Galatia: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Such qualities prompting and strengthening our actions will offer ongoing support for an “upright” life before God and among our fellowman.
Have a great day WITH SPIRITUAL SUBSTANCE TO SUPPORT YOUR LIFE!
Carl
