Our world is driven by the concept of success, but how do we define or measure spiritual success?
I measure spiritual success in terms of health and well-being. I want to continually seek to become more like Christ until the day I pass from this life into the next.
God created us with a mind, body, and soul. To be healthy, we must address all aspects of our lives. To neglect one puts us in danger of damaging others. Mental health issues often lead to physical and spiritual health issues and likewise, physical health problems can result in mental and spiritual struggles.
Today I will share a few keys that have helped me improve my own spiritual health through more than a decade of ministering and planting churches alongside my husband. I pray they strengthen you as they have me.
Secrets for Success:
1. Remain Humble & Teachable
The surest way to spiritual health is to consider yourself a lifetime learner. We always have something to learn if we position ourselves to receive in every situation.
Pride inevitably hinders spiritual growth.
I’ve learned it doesn’t matter whether I hear a message or read a passage of scripture 1 or 1,000 times. I can always glean something new if I seek to. Or, I can complain and close myself off because “I’ve heard that before” or “I already know that.”
And don’t let anyone call you ‘Teacher,’ for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. – Matthew 23:10-12 NLT
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. – James 4:10 NLT
True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. – Proverbs 22:4 NLT
2. Be Vulnerable & Transparent
If I want to grow, I need to acknowledge and work through my challenges with others. We become spiritually unhealthy when we hide our sins and struggles. The first step to freedom requires acknowledging I have a problem and need help.
Then, I have to genuinely desire freedom. Sometimes we recognize the problem but don’t pursue freedom. Misery loves company, and we always find plenty of company when we remain in despair.
Misery is so familiar to some that they actually fear freedom. I’ve encountered a number of people as a counselor, minister, and friend who hold on to their sicknesses or suffering and wear them like badges of honor.
I’ve seen people cancel plans more than a week in advance because they are sick with a cold or flu and plan to stay that way. They relish the attention and reprieve from responsibilities and take full advantage. People often seek comfort and sympathy over healing.
Others reject prayer when offered. Insecurities and doubts often keep us from receiving help.
Then you have those who become so deceived they genuinely do not believe they have a problem. They refuse to listen to wise counsel and don’t surround themselves with covenant relationships. No one has permission to speak into their lives or hold them accountable.
You can’t help someone who doesn’t think they have a problem.
I get it. It’s hard to let others in. I’ve wrestled with the same things. I recognize these barriers to spiritual health because I have battled with and overcome each one. Relationships can be scary, but they are also one of life’s greatest blessings.
We need people. God created us as relational beings, and this life is meant to be lived with others.
Ask God to show you any areas where you may have been deceived or hidden struggles from others. Repent and receive His forgiveness.
Then identify 1-2 people you can become more vulnerable and transparent with. Invite them to lunch and begin cultivating Kingdom relationships.
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 NASB
Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. – Proverbs 11:14 NASB
3. Meditate on your Mission
If you desire to grow and remain spiritually healthy, you need to understand why you desire spiritual health. This will help you remain motivated for spiritual growth even in the midst of trials and tribulations.
What drives you? Do you desire position and promotion? Are you seeking supernatural experiences? Do you hunger for God’s presents or His presence? Does the Great Commission motivate you? Do you want to see captives set free?
God deeply yearns for intimacy with us. Intimacy requires an investment of time and energy. The more we get to know God, the more intimately we will desire to know Him. You can never have too much of God. He fills you and yet you still want more. It’s amazing.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. – Matthew 6:33 NKJV
But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]. – Revelation 2:4 AMP
and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ – Mark 12:30 NASB
“Christianity is not a sprint but an endurance run. Therefore it is not how we start the race that counts, but how we complete it. How we finish is determined by the choices we make, and those are often formed by patterns we develop along the way.” – John Bevere
I hope you have been inspired to invest in your spiritual health and make it your top priority. As you cultivate healthy habits and apply these three secrets for success, you will experience a significant transformation in your spiritual health, which will positively impact every area of your life.
Which secret to success do you find most challenging? Leave a comment or share your own secrets to success.
Hopefully, you have already identified strengths and challenges in your journey toward spiritual health through my free Spiritual Health Assessment and begun implementing small, measurable goals each week to help you grow. If not, I encourage you to take it.
Blessings,
