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The “Hard” Part of Spiritual Growth

The “Hard” Part of Spiritual Growth

Written by Carol Tanksley on

Why aren’t you more like Jesus?

God’s plan for you is to “be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29) How’s that working out for you? Would someone looking at your life say that you act like, talk like, respond like Jesus more today than you did when you first became a believer? Or more than a year ago?

And if you don’t look more like Jesus today than you did a year ago, whose fault is that? If you’re like most Christians, you’d be very reluctant to blame God. After all, He has “given us everything we need for life and godliness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

How about blaming the church, or your pastor? Perhaps he or she isn’t providing you the guidance you need. Or the devil; certainly he is out to sabotage your spiritual transformation. Could God’s plan for you be less than “be conformed to the image of His Son” because of who your pastor is? Or how hard the devil is working? Certainly not.

So that leaves one person; you!

And immediately your knuckles whiten as you determine to try harder. The inner voices of shame and guilt scream that you’re not doing it good enough. Or perhaps you’re about to click away from this article because you’ve about given up on looking more like Jesus anyway; it’s just too hard.

One of the most important things you and I can do to move forward along the process of spiritual transformation is engage in the spiritual disciplines.

OUCH! Say discipline and listeners and readers (you?) are likely to scramble for cover quicker than baseball fans in a thunderstorm. Most of us hate that word. It sounds like work. Isn’t the gospel supposed to be free?

Spiritual Disciplines

A couple weeks ago we reviewed the 5 Catalysts for Spiritual Growth. The little things you do every day matter! When you get to heaven God won’t be looking at a checklist to see how many times you read your Bible through, or how many hours you spent in prayer, or how many days you fasted. Spiritual disciplines have nothing to do with earning grace; they’re a catalyst for spiritual transformation.

As Dallas Willard says, God is not opposed to effort; He’s opposed to earning. Our efforts do make a difference in how quickly we become like Jesus.

Spiritual disciplines have been practiced ever since the days of the early church. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42) Those were spiritual disciplines. We’re talking about what you do every day that helps facilitate your spiritual growth.

Books have been written about these practices, and we won’t exhaust that discussion here. But take a look at this partial list, and see how many of these practices you are incorporating into your daily, weekly, and yearly rhythm.

  1. Silence and Solitude.

These have sometimes been listed individually. What’s important is getting away from all human or digital distractions, and letting your heart become quiet enough to hear God’s voice. God does not often speak over the cacophony of sound in your head or in your world. Intentionally getting alone and silent gives your heart a chance to align with God’s presence, and for His voice and presence to impact your soul deeply.

Silence and solitude also remind you that God is much more interested in who you are and who you are becoming than in any “work” that you do.

  1. Prayer.

If Jesus needed to spend extended time in prayer, do you think you can become like Him without doing the same? Daily prayer needs to be more than a “Bless this food.” Bookending your day with prayer at the beginning and the end will keep you from unraveling. Practice speaking to God about everything throughout your day.

Then on a weekly basis devote a more extended time to converse with God – not just listing your needs and wants, but conversing with Him as you would with a friend. And ideally setting aside an even more extended time quarterly or yearly to pray in His presence will do wonders for your spiritual growth.

  1. Worship.

Both corporate worship and individual worship bring you into the presence of God as little else can. Even corporately, be alert for the Spirit’s invitation to “go deeper.” When alone, intentionally invite God’s presence into your home, closet, car, life, and focus on Him. You are changed in His presence! (See 2 Corinthians 3:18)

  1. Bible study.

Two kinds of Bible study are useful; “searching the Scriptures” for information and learning, and taking in Scripture as spiritual food. Take time to do both. (More on that here.)

  1. Service.

Your life is not your own. God has not only saved you from something; He has saved you for something. If you’re still breathing, you have a purpose on this earth. That purpose will in some way involve serving others, demonstrating to them the love of Jesus. Find someone who needs help, and help them. Ask Jesus who in your world He wants to love through you.

And then just do it!

  1. Fasting.

Fasting clarifies the mind and heart as little else can. Our human world, especially in the west, is so full of stuff that we easily become “fat and content.” Fasting reminds us that we cannot be dependent on our own efforts to supply what we need; we must depend on God. Our appetites become submitted to our heavenly Father. Many people affirm that they hear God’s voice so much more clearly during or after a period of fasting.

  1. Fellowship.

Human beings change best in community. Who you spend time with matters. This is not about how often you go to church; it’s about connecting with others in a deep enough way that you do life together. You need others who are close enough to speak into your life, to “spur you on” to becoming more like Jesus, to encourage you, hold you accountable, and celebrate with you.

What specific things are on your list of spiritual practices (OK, disciplines) is less important than that you make them part of your life regularly. Again, these practices do NOT earn you brownie points with God; they facilitate your spiritual transformation.

And as you do, you WILL be looking more and more like Jesus.

Your Turn: If you really wanted to be an athlete, you wouldn’t balk at practice. Are you serious about becoming like Jesus? What spiritual practices might you embrace in a new way? Leave a comment below.

Tweetables: why not share this post?

  • God is opposed to earning, not effort. The spiritual practices you engage in do not make Him love you more, but they can significantly impact your spiritual growth.   Tweet that. 

Do you want to live FULLY ALIVE?

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Three Things I Learned As a Single

Three Things I Learned As a Single

Written by Carol Tanksley on

I wanted to get married, but nothing was happening. I spent many years wondering what was so wrong with me that no one would choose me. The few relationships I did have never went anywhere. The loneliness left me shuffling between feeling desperate and hopeless.

But I finally grew up. There were things I finally learned as a single that changed everything.

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PODCASTS

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Click on any title below to hear a podcast episode.

The Secret to Thriving Single

According to a recent study, singles now outnumber married adults in the United States. For many, finding resources or support is challenging despite the tools available for their married counterparts.   

Drawn from a question posed to Dr. Carol on social media, she unpacks her own “single journey” and gives the keys to thriving as a Christian single.

Resources Mentioned on this Episode: 

Our Monthly Resources for Singles

Five Steps to Spiritual Transformation

Becoming more like Jesus isn’t easy. In a world of instant gratification, it often feels like God’s process of changing our situation, attitudes, etc. takes forever. In this powerful episode, learn the five catalysts to spiritual growth that will affect every facet of your being and why rapid change doesn’t always last. 

 

Ladies: Are You on the Merry Go Round of Modern Relationships?

Are you struggling to figure out a new or not so new relationship?

Dating, courting, just friends or friends with benefits are just some of the labels used to describe a relationship’s status for both Christians and those who don’t believe. So what’s a girl to do?

In today’s episode, Dr. Carol is joined by Kristen Clark, author, blogger and co-founder (along with her sister Bethany) of GirlDefined Ministries to discuss marriage, dating, sex and a whole lot more.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

 

When “Turning the Other Cheek” is the Un-Christian Thing to Do

Did you know that turning the other cheek isn’t always the best solution when dealing with a problem–especially for a child? Dr. Carol is joined by Paul Coughlin, of the Protectors to discuss why bullying is the precursor to aggressive behavior and racism as well as the leading form of child abuse in America.

Resources mentioned on this episode:

 

For more podcast episodes click here!

MORE PODCASTS

SUCCESS STORIES

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Your life's experience, work, and ministry is really blessing my life. Thank you Dr. Carol - from one ministered soul to you a mouthpiece of God's Word. Whew! So I just shed a few more tears while writing this.

Mady

Your videos and articles helped me greatly. I had decided that that if by a certain time my husband and I were not making progress, I was leaving. But then my husband and I talked!!! We have a long way to go, but with God we will succeed. Thank you Lord, and thank you Dr Carol."

Anne

We faced this hurdle where we needed help. Dr Carol listened, and when she gave advice it felt like it was without judgement and made us both see the issue in a new perspective. Now our marriage is stronger than ever.

Brian & Suzi

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ABOUT ME

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Hello, my name is Dr. Carol Tanksley

I’m an OB-Gyn physician, Doctor of Ministry, author, and speaker. And I’m so happy you’ve joined me on this journey to live Fully Alive!

I’ve practiced medicine for 25 years (in Texas since 2005), and am board certified in Obstetrics-Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology. I currently practice part-time, providing short-term relief for other OB-Gyn physicians and hospitals. This provides the flexibility for me to do more of the ministry work I love.

While continuing to practice medicine, I also obtained an M.Div. (Master of Divinity), and then a D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry) from Oral Roberts University, focusing on Christian leadership. My husband Al and I together produced a regular radio program “The Dr Carol Show” from 2009 until not long before his death in 2016.

Speaking, writing, and connecting with people both here and around the world lets me help men, women, and couples live more Fully Alive and experience the good health, loving relationships, and joyful spirituality that Jesus came to bring us.

I live in Austin, Texas, where I get to enjoy being Grandma Carol to four wonderful grandchildren.