We are living in a world of automation. It is all around us. From a robot vacuum cleaner to self-driving cars to smart refrigerators that offer meal menus based on the contents of the fridge! There is one area, however, when autopilot is incredibly dangerous, it is our spiritual lives. One of the greatest struggles the follower of Jesus battles against their entire life is spiritual apathy.
When I first came to know Christ, I often wondered why other Christians were indifferent about their faith. I noticed that they were often faithful in Church attendance. I also noticed that they had a knowledge of the Bible. They knew the “Christian lingo” and even how to act and dress in every situation. The one glaring omission was their lack of interest and investment in their own spiritual development. Most recently I was meeting with a guy whose life was radically transformed by the Gospel. He was also checking all the boxes for being a “great Christian”. Yet, when I began to probe his spiritual routine, I found that it was almost non-existent. Now let me confess that I too have gone through these seasons in my life.
I was reminded again of our necessity to be in the driver’s seat of our spiritual development. Paul writes to the church in Colossae, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16). Paul’s admonition to the Colossians (and to us) is to turn off our spiritual autopilot. The admonition commands us to unleash God’s truth in our being. It is a challenge to let it take up residence within you.
The truth of God’s Word is not a magic spell to be cast on the problems of life. No, God’s word is truth that transforms our perspective on life and in turn our responses and behaviors to be living examples of Jesus in a broken world. It is this progressive process that must be a part of our entire lives, because there is always room for transformation. We will only arrive when we see Jesus face to face.
Paul’s admonition touches on one of the most overlooked blessings of our spiritual development: the impact we have on others! Once we have implemented God’s truth in our lives, we are able to have an impact by “teaching and admonishing one another.” It has been said; “You cannot give to another that which you do not possess.” but once you allow the Word of God to possess you, you then begin to have a positive impact on others.
This is what is so desperately needed in our congregations and families today. Not brain dead “zombie” believers stumbling through life, but a dynamic, spiritual transforming life that brings hope, encouragement and light into a dark world. It all begins with a commitment to turn off our spiritual autopilot, get in the spiritual driver’s seat and take responsibility over our own development!
-Pastor Joe Parkinson