[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]
Our economy undergoes business cycles which acts like a wave where there are periods of expansion and retraction. Growth occurs during times of expansion until it reaches a certain maximum level, the peak of the cycle. After reaching this peak, a recession, or downward motion where growth is declining for a time (our economic system expects periods of recession to last 6 months or greater in general). If the depression continues for an unusual length of time and becomes severe, where there is a continual decline in overall growth, a depression could occur. Economics has various tools and methods to control these cycles to prevent severe periods of growth and decline. Many monitor the economy, both the monetary authority as well as the general public, and attempt to predict future activity and try to adjust accordingly. It is really interesting that people take a great deal of time to understand our economic system of growth and decline and willfully neglect to monitor the periods of spiritual growth and decline. If monitoring and certain adjustments are not made, then great times of spiritual depressions can occur in Christians which can potentially cause the losing of souls.
Do not misunderstand and take that it is wrong to have periods of some decline. As humans we have times of strength and weakness, making our lives dynamic. The point is to understand what can happen and work together to try to control times of decline so that we all might continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). It is during our decline that Satan puts forth difficult trials in order to ensnare us (1 Pet. 5:8). The longer we decline in our spiritual activity, the weaker we become and could continue to the point in loss of faith.
Take a moment and review your spiritual activity in the past month, quarter, year, etc and note what kind of progress or digression you have made. Have we been active in serving God and our brothers and sisters in Christ (Gal. 6:10)? Have we been active in the spreading of the gospel to those who are yet aliens to Christ (Mt. 28:18-20, Acts 8:4)? How much time and work have I devoted to studying, learning and application of the gospel (2 Tim. 2:15)? Have I been living as Christ or selfishly pursuing my desires instead (Mt. 16:24-27, Gal. 2:20)? The list of self-evaluating questions can continue. The answers to these various questions will give a bearing of where we are, it is up to us to realize if it is acceptable or below acceptance.
When comparing where we are now and where we have been will show what level of growth or digression has occurred. If we do not like the direction where we are headed, it is comforting to know that God has provided us with opportunity and tools to make adjustments in order to take our lives that may be out of control and put things under subjection and back to a normal state of growth. We are not a new breed of people where solutions in the past no longer are valid and profitable. Peter wrote to Christians who at one point were living lives in spiritual chaos and were able to put things back into order. The new order to their lives was noticeable and became a source of persecution from their peers (1 Pet. 4:4). Yet in comparison to where they were (1 Pet. 4:3), there was tremendous spiritual growth. If people in the first century were able to, then modern people have the same capability.
Knowing of the potential change and making the change are two different things. It is a good beginning point to realize the potential of where we can be, but to get there; it will take discipline and hard work. Economists have spent years in studying economic systems and how to adjust the economy to keep things stable to prevent severe recessions that may lead to another depression like in the 1930’s. Today changes in the money supply can assist in maintaining order. To complete the task, it takes integrity, discipline, and a meticulous watch. Paul knew he had times of weakness where he would be in a spiritual recession, but to prevent a severe downfall, his self-discipline and determination allowed Paul to overcome these times and rise to new levels of maturity (1 Cor. 9:24-27, 1 Tim. 4:16-18). Ultimately it is the Lord who aids in the recovery. If one is not careful, it is easy to slip into great spiritual recessions and depressions.
With the mindset to grow, the next step is to get active and work. Finding things to do is not the difficult part, but following through on the action. Jesus at one point noted that the harvest was white for the harvest (Jn. 4:35). The key was to realize what is available and then go after it. Much of the New Testament writings address the broad topic of completing deeds of righteousness and leaving sin. It is by design that we are to complete good works (Eph. 2:10), to fail is to sin (Jms. 4:17). The nature of God has been manifested through Jesus and the result of the work of the Spirit allows us to understand the fruit of a godly lifestyle (Gal. 5:22-26). It is therefore up to us to flee that which is wrong in pursuit of righteousness (2 Tim. 2:22). To recover from a recession is to increase activity. Look for things to do, and do it!
Being vigilant of our spiritual activity is important to recover as well as prevent a digression. Paul said, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the spirit and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…” (Eph. 6:18). If we are watchful of our position, we will be able to see upcoming trials and rise to the occasion to defeat the temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). Also in times when we fail, we will be able to realize our blunder and have opportunity to repent (1 Jn. 5:14-16). Also note that we are not merely to watch out for self only, but also for the well being of others. Paul said to be watchful for all the saints. In this if we are concern for one another’s spiritual well being, our relationships will become stronger and opportunities to be strengthened to continue to grow will increase.
The goal is to progressively grow and increase in Jesus Christ. This is how we show our fidelity (Rev. 2:10). While we can note of economic highs and lows, generally data will show times of a gradual growth trend. Sometimes the beginning seems to yield great levels of activity, yet as time progresses overall growth still occurs. I have noticed the same trend in various married couples that have enjoyed a good marriage will have a greater love after 50 years than in the beginning. This is a result of the growth that occurred. There were times of highs and lows, but overall a trend of growth occurred. The same can be true in our spiritual lives. The potential is there; will you make it a reality in your own life and the lives of others around you?
To observe trends of growth in everyday life makes it simple to think and relate to spiritual things. Jesus often taught in parables and everyday observations to make important spiritual applications. It caused people to think, which resulted in a motivation to act and retain the thought. We too can make observations in our lives and use such examples to think on higher things. In the end, it does not matter how strong the economy was in our time or how much it grew, but to view how strong we are spiritually and our overall growth in order to get to heaven. Peter encouraged Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18). To stop growing is to start the decline. If nothing is done to stop the decline, it will continue until utter destruction. Now is the time to work, get out there and be active in the work of God.
