Spiritually Stable
There are but a few things in this world that offer stability. As time changes, so does the world and all its associations. Regardless of how hard we look, nothing is as stable as the promises of God. While those promises are sure, we must take heed less we fall (I Cor. 12:10), forfeiting the opportunity to partake of those promises (I Cor. 10:5-11). So, while the fulfillment of God’s promises are certain, the receiving of those promises are contingent upon ones faithfulness. There are many factors that can cause our faith to sway and not rest upon the promises of God. We all face temptations that mentally war against our spiritual beings. We contemplate the seasonal joys of sin (Heb. 11:25) often falling prey to its hold. This is what hinders us from receiving those promises, we become spiritually unstable. From this, we must understand the importance of our mental conditions, and how spiritually conditioning our minds is essential.
Paul reminds Timothy of this very thing in the fourth chapter of I Timothy. Take not of what is said in verse eight, “bodily exercise profiteth little, but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” If you will, consider what is involved in physical exercise. In order for physical exercise to profit, one must have the mental capacity which allows for the completion of the exercise routine. The same holds true to “godliness”, if our minds are not spiritually conditioned and focused, failure is immanent. Our minds must be spiritually stable, if we want to partake of the promises that will be fulfilled.
Consider things that are mentioned in the same context and note the mental conditions. Versus 1-5 are a reminder concerning departures from the faith. Both those who were responsible for starting the hypocrisies and those who followed after were spiritually unstable. Which is why Paul tells Timothy to remind the brethren of these things, and by doing so he would manifest a minister who was nourished in the faith and in good doctrine(v6). Let it be suggested these are also manifestations of one who is spiritually stable.
While there are countless things we can do to spiritually fortify our minds, let it be suggested they all hinge on one important factor. This factor is the very thing that should guide our mental processes of reasoning. This factor is knowing that God will fulfill His promises, if we but fulfill ours. Remember the covenant we made with God upon obedience to His will. That covenant represents our promise to obey Him. If we are going to fulfill our promise to do so, we must do what it takes to make our minds spiritually stable.
What condition are you in spiritually? Is your mind spiritually stable? Do you daily condition your minds to handle Satan’s blows in order to fulfill your promise to God? Well, Do you?
Adam J. Comeaux, Jr.