Senior Living - March 25

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
--2 Peter 1:10-11

When Polish pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski played before Queen Victoria in 1891, he won her approval. She exclaimed, “Mr. Paderewski, you are a genius.”

To which Paderewski replied, “Perhaps, Your Majesty, but before that I was a drudge.”

In the beginning, Paderewski was discouraged by his teachers from becoming a pianist. But through discipline and hours of practice each day, Paderewski launched his artistic career in 1885 and became known worldwide for his dynamic talents, abilities and infectious personality.

Just as Paderewski had to discipline himself to practice every day in order to grow in his talent, so we as believers must also discipline ourselves and take time each day to grow spiritually in the Lord.

Spiritual discipline is absolutely essential for Christian growth and development in the life of the believer. It is a process that continues on through the life of a believer, and helps him or her grow spiritually in Christ and know God’s will.

The author of Hebrews encouraged believers to “show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure” and not become lazy, but “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:11-12).

A believer can mature in Jesus by practicing spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, witnessing, worship, service, fellowship with other believers, and other godly acts.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul said, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the world of truth.”

If you will practice spiritual discipline each day in faith and obedience to the Lord despite the hardships that come along, then you can look forward to the abundant blessings of God (see Hebrews 12:11).

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would build in you strength and determination to daily practice righteousness.

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