Christianity is not a faith that can thrive or grow in an atmosphere of complacency and disinterest. Christianity is a faith built upon truths, and some of those truths are difficult BUT they are still truths. As I reflect on 2021, I have some realizations which are driving me to be more intentional in my walk with God, in how I worship and revere Him, how I surrender every facet of my being to His will, not mine, and how my life is to be both an offering of service and one that brings glory and honor to my King.
Last year began strong; I began a read the Bible in a year reading plan, I utilized my Christian Planner to aide in developing a more disciplined spiritual walk, and I resumed my diet and exercise plan when the weather began warming up. If a person wants to gain intelligence and wisdom, one must be a reader (of relevant material) and ever a student, constantly learning. If a person wants to become physically stronger, one must exercise their body properly; if one wants to get into better shape, a blend of exercise and proper dieting must be employed. Similarly, if a person wants to grow in closeness with God, one must spend time with God (reading / studying the Bible, prayer, fellowship with believers, serving / ministry, etc).
If we are complacent or not involved in the exercise of our faith, our spirit begins to starve and wane. That became the reality of 2021 as the year drew towards its end. I began the year strong but began to compromise in my disciplines—missing one or two days reading my Bible made it easy to go for a longer stretch without reading. It became commonplace for my Bible reading in a week to merely be the Scripture read for Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services. That is not enough for one’s spirit to grow; that is barely surviving throughout the week.
Reflecting on how I managed to get off track with my spiritual goals last year has given me a focus and determination to not repeat those actions in the coming year. Once again, I have established a Bible reading plan (this time a 2-years to read the Bible). I have committed myself to spend more time reading spiritual / theological books; my passion is for apologetics, and I have a few hundred books on my shelves which I need to dive into.
My opening statement to this post rings of truth. I need to own my Christian walk! I need to put in efforts to grow in my walk with the Lord. Just like in my marriage, if I showed disinterest or an uncaring, dismissive attitude towards my wife, I should have no expectation for her to carry the weight of the relationship. I could not expect our relationship to grow and for us to grow closer if I’m standing still or pulling away, focusing on other things. It’s the same with Christianity in many aspects. When we stop walking or begin chasing other things, God waits for us, but the relationship doesn’t move forward. We miss out on many blessings He has planned for us; we miss out on opportunities He would have us involved in to grow His kingdom and to grow closer to Him.
It is only the first day of 2022 and I believe things are off to a strong start. Yes, that’s easy to say given it is day 1 of 365. As I move forward through the year, I ask your prayers that I continue strong and close out Dec 31, 2022, in a closer walk with God than I’m starting with today, Jan 1, 2022. I know it will take some work, but I resolve to stay focused more on God this year and less on myself. I pray you will do the same! Blessings & Happy New Year!
~In Christ!
Way Truth Life Apologetics 
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