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- How to Foster Spiritual Growth
“What is 3R Thursday?”
3R Thursday is a short devotional that contains Ramblings, Ruminations, and Reflections published most Thursdays to equip Christians with practical theology and Biblical philosophy.
Previous devotionals can be read here.
Now up, forward, and through 🤝
3R THURSDAY: How to Foster Spiritual Growth
Light v. Darkness
Before becoming a Christian, the amount of Darkness in our lives was greater than the amount of Light.
Upon becoming a Christian, the amount of Light should be greater than the amount of Darkness.
The other side of the cross is the beginning of Spiritual Growth.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
When the Darkness in our lives is greater than the Light, we are in Spiritual Decay.
Spiritual Decay = Darkness > Light
When the Light in our lives is greater than the Darkness, we are in Spiritual Growth.
Spiritual Growth = Light > Darkness
That is why Paul tells the Church in Ephesus to not only “walk as children of the light” but also “expose” darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11).
In other words, we stunt our Spiritual Growth if we walk in the Light but do not expose Darkness as well.
Spiritual Growth is maximized by increasing the Light and decreasing the Darkness.
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Likewise, we need to increase the Light, not merely decrease the Darkness.
Christian Philosophy is more than simply not being a “bad” person; it’s a matter of increasing in wisdom, in stature, in favor with God and man (see Luke 2:52).
The amount of Light in your life should increase. ⬆️
The amount of time in the Word. ⬆️
The amount of time in Prayer.⬆️
The amount of time ministering to others.⬆️
Loving your wife. ⬆️
Discipling your kids. ⬆️
Serving the Church. ⬆️
By all means, expose the Darkness, but walk in the Light as well.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Not sure where to begin?
Turn to the Cross, to the work Jesus already accomplished on our behalf. He is the Light that exposes all Darkness (John 8:12; John 9:5).
Confess your sins. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:5-10, ESV)
Walk in the Light. Expose the Darkness.
Hope you have a blessed week.
See you next Thursday,
CFW