R x T = D

Nº 408

Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of the years, but by obedience to the will of God. - Oswald Chambers

In school, mathematics was never my favorite subject; however, one formula I remember is R x T = D (Rate times Time equals Distance). The pace that we sustain and the time we invest determine the distance we cover. This is true in the world of running and driving, and it’s true in our spiritual lives as well.

Paul visited Corinth about five years before he wrote his first letter to them. The Corinthians had five years to grow and mature, but many of them were still spiritual infants. Paul said, I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. (1 Corinthians 3:2-3a).

Little progress had been achieved in five years. The time was adequate for spiritual growth to occur, so the rate must have been very slow.

Spiritual maturity does not take place over night, but focusing on growth leads to quicker results. Pick up the pace this week; study God’s Word, attend church, pray, spend time with other believers, and share what you have learned.

The more we apply God’s truth in our lives, the faster new patterns of thinking and behaving can emerge.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin