From the time we are young we are instructed to take ownership of the actions of our lives. Most of the time it is in a negative sense. Typically when we make a mistake, hurt someone or break something. In general, taking responsibility for our actions is an invaluable trait. So much so that we continue to instill this lesson into our children and grandchildren. While we find this virtue so necessary for everyday life, it seems to get packed away when it comes to our Christian walk.
In almost every area of our lives we see the necessity of taking ownership. In our schooling we recognize that if we do not put in the effort and time to study the end result of bad grades and poor education is ultimately our fault. When we enter the business world we understand that in order to become an asset to the company and catch the attention of the higher ups, we need to take responsibility and work hard. In our families, we instinctively know that in order to raise up a child in a positive environment we need to put in the work and be there.
Yet it seems in the realm of faith all of the responsibility is somehow shifted off of us. Granted, the Bible tells us plainly that salvation is not based on any of our own works but solely on the work of Christ. But what about our maturity in Christ? What about our growth in the knowledge of Him?
Grab ahold of eternity
For some reason we just assume that intimacy with Christ is just a natural byproduct of salvation. We assume that we will learn the scriptures some way other than studying them. Maturity will magically happen someday by little or no effort on our part. And so we wonder why we are not growing, or why we are not close with the Lord.
One piece of advice the Apostle Paul gives to young Pastor Timothy in his letter,
“Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” 1 Tim. 6:12
Paul essentially tells Timothy to grab the bull by the horns. We cannot wait or expect anyone or any external force to grow and mature us. We must take hold of our own eternity! If you don’t know the Bible as much as you should, don’t wait for the Pastor to teach you. Get alone with the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God and study it for yourself. If your prayer life is suffering, don’t make excuses. Instead make time. Lock yourself away with the King of Kings and be with Him.
No excuses
We have so many excuses for why our spiritual life is not where it should be. Which of them do you think our Heavenly Father and Judge will accept? We find it common place to markup calendars and make schedules for business meetings and soccer games. Yet why is it we can’t seem to carve out any time for the Author and Finisher of our faith? No one else is responsible for your soul. There will be nobody to blame on the day we stand before the judgment throne.
Own your eternity. Take hold of it and put the work in. Isn’t He worth it?