The spiritual disciplines (such as Bible reading and memorization, prayer, church attendance, service, tithing, and fasting) are used by God—when they are used by us—to mature us in our faith. Yet as important as consistent practice of the spiritual disciplines is, if our hearts are not in it, what our hands do matters very little!
Maturity is rooted far more deeply in what the heart beats for than what the hands engage in. It always comes down to the “why” behind the “what” we are doing. If we are consistently engaged in the spiritual disciplines with our hands and feet, but with hearts that are not fully engaged, then engaging for the wrong reason and the results will leave us wanting.
The heart is the “Christian Command Center,” and what rules the heart shapes the life. If we allow the spiritual disciplines to become little more than activities to check off on our “things-to-do” list as we go through our days, our hearts will grow cold toward Christ. It is only when we keep the why in view as the reason for the what we do that we will mature in our faith and begin to maximize the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given to us to expand His kingdom.
Pastor and author Bryan Chapell wrote, “Spiritual change is more a consequence of what our hearts love than of what our hands do. The spiritual disciplines are important, but not as important as developing a heart for God.” I know from personal experience that it’s easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing, without ever considering why we are actually doing it!
Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)
When we keep this truth in view, our hearts beat for Christ; then, out of the overflow, we engage in spiritual disciplines out of delight rather than duty. This is one of the reasons why we must preach the truths of the Gospel to ourselves—not only daily, but moment by moment. A heart that beats for Jesus does what it does not to get something, but because of what it has already been given. We must regularly remind ourselves that it is not our merit that causes God to bless us; rather, it is His mercy. The favor of God is rooted in His goodness, not ours!
So . . . what has your heart been beating for lately? If you have been engaged in any of the spiritual disciplines, have you asked yourself why? It is my prayer that throughout this new year your heart and mine will beat more strongly each day for our Savior. That will mature us more than anything our hands find to do.
I've noticed that over the last few years, birthday parties for children have changed. Birthday parties used to be four or five kids, cake, a few gifts, and playing outside! They have evolved into a big cash business for retailers. Now it seems that 10 - 20 kids are there - anything from cake to a full meal is provided - and then some major entertainment is provided - jumpers - sliders - movies - theme parks!!!!! And the gift giving looks like Christmas! I'm not complaining - my kids are grown!!! But I do want to suggest that there are some very important gifts that kids need that many are missing. Be sure to give your children these gifts:
1. The gift of responsibility! At a fairly early age, kids need to learn the gift of responsibility. Simple, but important tasks can be assigned to them - make up their bed, clean their room, pick up their dirty clothes and put them in the hamper etc. They can be assigned duties as they grow older - helping with dishes, doing the laundry etc..
2. The gift of self-sufficiency! Some of those above mentioned tasks also help a child to learn to do things for themselves. Many kids grow up these days and basically can't take care of themselves. They need MUCH parental help well into their 20's and beyond. They need to learn to do things on their own.
3. The gift of work! You may be "wealthy" enough to provide everything your child needs financially, but it is a mistake to do so. Children need to learn the value of work and the value of earning their way! They want an IPAD! Consider the value of having them save their money to buy one! Then they realize the cost and value of their purchases. Of course you will give them gifts! But don't give them everything! Children need to have a work ethic!
4. The gift of losing! Children need to learn that they don't always win! They will not always be the best at everything they do. Let children compete - and learn to win with joy and lose with grace! Don't go "make it up" to them when they lose! This instills in them that losing is not fair - and that they should be compensated when they lose!
5. The gift of service! Children should learn to be "others oriented" early on. Involve them in helping others! Involve them in meaninful service projects. Expose them to real need so they will appreciate the blessings they have been given. Help them learn to personally sacrifice their own time and resources.
6. The gift of Christ! From the beginning teach, model, talk about, love Jesus Christ! Help your child learn of the Lord! Help your child come to a point of genuine repentance and faith in Christ. Without Christ, all that you teach your child will be useless for the next world - eternity! Celebrate Jesus! Live authentically for Christ! Your kids can spot a phony! Give them Jesus!
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