How to Progress Quickly in Christ By Major Frank Materu
Key Bible Scripture:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” – Psalms 32:8
Introduction
In our walk with Christ, the journey to spiritual maturity can often feel slow or difficult. However, the Bible encourages us to pursue a deeper connection with God and to trust in His guidance. If we are to progress quickly in Christ, we must learn to embrace His instructions and rely on His direction. Jesus is not just our Savior but also our teacher, and He desires that we grow rapidly in faith, wisdom, and strength.
The Importance of Divine Guidance
Scripture Reference: Psalms 32:8
In Psalms 32:8, God promises to guide us in the way we should go. This guidance is not just a mere suggestion but an active involvement in our lives, leading us with His eye. The question then arises: are we open to His guidance? Are we prepared to follow Him wholeheartedly, without holding on to our own plans or desires? Many times, our progress is hindered because we either ignore God's direction or try to cover our faults and weaknesses with our own self-made solutions. True progress in Christ begins when we stand exposed before Him, acknowledging our need for His grace and guidance.
Living Transparently Before God
Scripture Reference:
Hebrews 4:13
When we stand before God, we must not try to hide behind our works or pretend to be someone we are not. Just as we cannot hide from God, He desires for us to live transparently before Him. He knows all that is in us—our strengths, weaknesses, and even the things we attempt to hide.
It is only when we embrace our true state before God that we can experience genuine transformation and growth in Christ. When we choose honesty and vulnerability before Him, we open ourselves to receive the instruction and correction He offers, allowing us to move forward in His will.
Drinking from the Living Water
Scripture Reference:
John 7:37-38
Jesus offers us living water, which purifies and sustains us. In John 7:37-38, He invites us to come to Him and drink from this living water. Just as drinking from other sources brings harm, drinking from Christ's living water cleanses and nourishes our souls. As we progress in Christ, we must continually seek His presence, allowing His Word and His Spirit to refresh us. It is only through this spiritual nourishment that we can grow strong and fruitful in our walk with God.
Serving Christ with a Humble Heart
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 20:26-28
Jesus calls us to serve Him, not as masters but as humble servants. He desires our wholehearted dedication to Him. In our pride and self-sufficiency, we often forget the call to serve. We may think we can dictate our own path, but in doing so, we miss the opportunity to experience the true fulfillment of being His servant. In moments of pride or arrogance, we must remember to humble ourselves before God and serve Him with all our strength, acknowledging that He alone is our Lord and Master.
Letting Go of the World’s Attachments
Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:38-39
In our pursuit of Christ, we are often held back by our attachments to the things of the world. Just as a child may resist wearing shoes for a journey, we sometimes resist God's guidance because we are holding on to things that are of no eternal value. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 10:38-39 that we must take up our cross and follow Him, for those who try to save their lives will lose them. To move forward rapidly in Christ, we must release the things of this world and focus on the eternal. This may mean sacrificing worldly desires, comforts, or ambitions to embrace God's will for our lives.
Choosing Christ Over All Else
Scripture Reference:
Philippians 3:7-8
The apostle Paul speaks of counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ in Philippians 3:7-8. We are often tempted to hold onto things that seem valuable, but in comparison to knowing Christ, they are as worthless as refuse. If we want to progress quickly in Christ, we must be willing to let go of everything that stands in the way of our relationship with Him. Only then can we experience the fullness of life and growth in Him.
The Power of Surrendering to God’s Will
Scripture Reference: James 4:7-8
There is great power in surrendering our will to God’s. When we fight against His plans, we weaken ourselves. However, when we submit to His authority, we are empowered. Our strength does not come from our efforts but from yielding to God's control and trusting in His perfect will. When we surrender, He strengthens us to walk according to His plan and purpose for our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the path to quick spiritual growth in Christ requires humility, transparency, and a willingness to let go of the things that hinder our progress. We must trust in God's guidance, drink from the living water He offers, and serve Him with a pure heart. Only by surrendering ourselves completely to His will can we experience true growth and move forward rapidly in our Christian journey. Let us strive to follow Christ wholeheartedly, knowing that He will lead us in the way we should go, empowering us to live lives that bring glory to His name.
