https://odb.org/MY/2023/03/21/spiritual-renewal
As we grow older, we can not avoid but notice that there are changes to our bodies. We do things slightly slower. We think not as fast as we used to. Also, we have less stamina. When we could spend a whole day packing up and moving house when young, we tire after a few hours now. In addition, we started to have long-term illnesses like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, etc. Some of our illnesses require long-term medication. Our hairline is also thinning, and our muscles are not as strong as they used to be.
But in 2 Corinthians 4:14-16, Paul encourages us that while our external bodies are getting weaker, our spiritual man is getting stronger. We are being renewed daily while on earth in preparation for our eternity in heaven. That’s because as we grow in maturity in the Lord, our spirit man is strengthened and grows likewise. We get stronger by the day. Paul also reminds us that whatever sufferings we go through now can not compare to the glory that awaits us in Christ Jesus. The time will come when we will get to live the Revelation 21 experience in the new heaven and earth and the new Jerusalem. Eden on earth again, as seen by John and recorded in Revelation 22. Hallelujah!
Just a word of caution, though. Will our spirit man grow if we are isolated and only worship God in the privacy of our personal space, whether in church or at home? Whether spending time with God in our quiet time, meditating upon His Word day and night, interacting with Jesus in prayer helps us to grow our inner spiritual being? I’m sure it will!
But I think that actually serving God is equally important. We can not exercise our faith in isolation to our surroundings without meeting the needs of the people around us. Faith without good works is dead, so says James in his book at chapter 2 verse 14. Our personal dedication to God must go hand in hand with our service for Him as ultimately the fruit of the Spirit needs to be manifested in our good works. Salvation is by grace and not by works, but once we are saved, we need to have good works to reflect our gratefulness and thankfulness to God for His salvation and sacrifice for us on the cross.
Worship God, read His Word daily, study, and meditate it. Pray for others. Serve God in church and ministries. Attend our cell group to participate and contribute our thoughts and ideas. Cook a meal for our home fellowship. Help feed the poor and the hungry. Go out there into the streets to give away tracts. Preach the Gospel, help others. Do meaningful stuff for Christ. Even in our old age, serve the Lord.
Ronnie's Thoughts 