The Hard Work of Spiritual Growth

WRITTEN BY REV. DR. JOHN WATERS

Located in eastern Siberia, the town of Mirny, Russia, is home to the largest open diamond pit in the world. Having discovered the presence of diamonds in this remote area decades ago, scientists and geologists began digging into the mine to excavate the cherished stones. By the time it closed, the mine had produced untold treasures for its owners and for those who worked diligently to unearth the precious gems. The diamonds had been in that part of the earth’s crust for centuries upon centuries, but they were brought to light only through the labor and toil of the miners who worked to unearth what they had found.

The Scriptures tell us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), just like miners must toil with diligence and great effort to dig out precious gems. Paul tells the Philippian Christians that they have been given a precious gift called salvation, filled with blessings and riches that go beyond what could ever be imagined. But for them to realize the fullness of joy that comes from following Christ, they would have to put in the hard work of spiritual growth. The term for “work out” describes unearthing something as is done in a mining operation, and the Apostle Paul is telling them to dig out the treasures of God’s salvation through obedience, prayer, and Christian living.

When I was a child, my friends and I would often dig in the dirt for no other reason than just for fun. We weren’t searching for anything, and we usually didn’t uncover anything more than some worms or buried rocks. We weren’t searching for treasure; we were just boys aimlessly digging in the earth. The diligent digging required of spiritual growth, however, yields great results as we discover greater joy, deeper intimacy, and stronger faith. The effort is neither easy nor convenient, but a growing and expanding faith does not happen by accident. It requires digging.

Are you digging out the blessing of salvation each day by “working out” God’s gift of salvation in your own life? Just as a farmer works a fertile field so that the crop yield will be high, so we must work the fertile field of our salvation to experience the fullness of life and joy that come from knowing Christ.

Perhaps there is no person who ever followed Jesus Christ more closely than the Apostle Paul. He is often heralded as the greatest Christian who lived, and his writings form nearly one-third of the New Testament. His faith was authentic, transforming, exemplary, and vibrant. His advice to others regarding spiritual growth, however, was to “work it out.” He personally knew the intentional effort that was required from him to walk closely with Christ, and he refuses to sugarcoat it for other believers. Any Christian can deepen and strengthen his or her faith in Christ, but not without putting in the work.

Given the modern conveniences of today’s world, we often look for quick solutions and easy answers. We microwave our food, we communicate with instant messages, we travel at breakneck speed on jet airliners, and we always look for the shortest line at the store checkout. But spiritual growth has no shortcuts or secret passageways. Eugene Peterson, a prolific writer and Christian pastor, commonly said it required a “long obedience in the same direction.”

Weeds grow overnight, but oak trees take decades to reach their heights. Too many Christians want an instant version of spiritual growth, devoid of the discipline and diligence expressly required for working out your own salvation.

How do you work out your salvation? Daily prayer. Regular Bible reading and study. Ongoing self-denial and sacrifice. Godly choices in personal conduct. Acts of servanthood. These activities and more, when done on a consistent basis, will enable you to discover the precious treasures that are buried within God’s gift of salvation. Don’t let the treasures of salvation remain buried and undiscovered in your life. Choose to obey God and follow Christ today with unwavering faith, so that you can unearth the precious gems of peace, joy, and gladness that come as part of your salvation. S

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