11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong
The purpose of the strengthening that spiritual gifts bring to the believers is that they would become firmer and more unchanging in their belief and attitudes, that is, that they would reflect the character of Jesus to an ever increasing degree moment by moment. This is not something that takes place in an instant. We are gradually submitting ourselves to the Spirit’s influence and we are transformed in the process. Our position with God that is established the moment we believe in Jesus gets slowly worked into physical reality in our lives. God considers us holy the moment we believe, but that holiness takes a lifetime to filter into and through our lives. Paul’s desire for the Roman believers was that they would let that process of change take place. But too often we are satisfied with our current spiritual condition. We fall into the trap of thinking that “we are good enough” to deserve God’s grace. We do just enough to “stay in touch” with God. But God wants all of us, not just Chreaster Christians, you know, those that show up on Christmas and Easter. God wants more than Sunday Christians, you know, those that show up every Sunday. God wants more than Daily Christians, you know, those that acknowledge Him somehow every day. God wants Moment-by-Moment Christians, you know, those who live in constant contact with God, allowing His presence to bathe every moment of every day. When that happens, the Spirit of God will make us strong. We will become solid in our beliefs. We won’t waver in our faith with every new teaching that comes out with some “new” spiritual secret. Remember, there is no quick, secret path to spiritual growth. Just as there is no such thing as a happily married couple celebrating their silver anniversary without spending 50 years together, so there is no such thing as spiritual growth that doesn’t involve time spent repeatedly over a long period of time getting to know Jesus. Are you looking for the quick path to spiritual maturity? Stop looking! It doesn’t exist. Just start, right now, communing with Jesus. Acknowledge Him and His presence moment by moment, in every activity, in every area of your life. It will take some getting used to, but God will not tire of our constant contact. Give it a shot.
The Arnold Journey 