Immediate satisfaction and instant gratification. That’s what we all want! We don’t like waiting. We are not very patient sometimes. That’s one reason that fast food, instant coffee, microwaves and cable modems have grown so popular. However, it is not possible to apply this “on-the-spot fulfillment” to every aspect of our lives.
When it comes to building homes and commercial structures, it still must be done one plank and one block at a time. When it comes to building our financial resources, it still must be done one level, one job, one raise, one promotion at a time. When it comes to building our various collections, it still must be done one coin, one stamp, one book, one spoon at a time (although sometimes they can come in lots).
So, it should not surprise us that when it comes to building our faith, building our relationship with God, building our knowledge of the Word of God, building our spiritual stamina, that it cannot be done like a transaction at the ATM machine, getting a jiffy oil change or downloading your favorite song. Even with all the advances in technology and inventions, our spiritual growth still must be done one verse at a time, one prayer at a time, one day at a time. So, if I want to grow, what are some blocks that I can lay one at a time?
Block 1: Believe whole-heartedly and without wavering that every word in the Bible is from God and for our growth.
Block 2: Resolve steadfastly and unashamedly to do right and live by God’s standards no matter what anyone else thinks.
Block 3: Read the Bible intently and privately for at least ten minutes daily with a determination to learn, making notes.
Block 4: Tame your tongue one syllable, one word, one phrase at a time, which improves ability to tame all of life.
Block 5: Don’t give up, don’t lose heart, don’t quit, even when all of these blocks get tough and heavy.
Block 6: Pattern your life, your actions, your words, your attitudes, your endeavors after Jesus.
Block 7: Seek and create opportunities to show kindness and compassion to your brethren.
Block 8: Elevate God’s will and the needs of your fellowman above your own self-interested wants and wishes.
One block at a time. On which block are you standing? On which block are you working? These are not random blocks thrown together in a random order. Read 2 Peter 1:5-8 and find all eight of these blocks. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to THE WORD of His grace, which is able to BUILD YOU UP…” (Acts 20:32). One block at a time!