In a society obsessed with the next miracle pill or quick-fix shot, we have lost the ability to focus and build healthy habits for longer-term, beneficial growth. Our current habits have caused our society to become chronically diseased and sick. People constantly look for the next health kick because they know something is wrong, but they don’t know how to fix it, or they don’t want to work to fix it. Ezra found a community just like this, except they were suffering spiritually. After King Artaxerxes I released them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their lives, city, and worship, Ezra found a city plagued by serious spiritual sickness. His goal to restore Jerusalem’s spiritual health is laid out in Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” In this verse, we find four points that will help us develop proper habits to grow spiritually in a healthy way.
We must prepare our hearts. Spiritual growth begins with the proper preparation. When a person is building a new deck, they must prepare it for the Texas sun and heat. If they do not apply the proper coating, the wood will begin to warp and splinter in the tough summer conditions. Jesus makes a similar comparison when discussing the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. He states that the seed will be received and will produce when it falls on “good soil” (Matt. 13:8, 23). Likewise, Proverbs 4 teaches us the importance of guarding and directing our hearts. If we want to grow spiritually, we must begin by developing a heart that is willing to listen to God, accept His instruction, and change according to His will.
We must seek the law of the Lord. After preparing his heart, Ezra sought the law of the Lord. Spiritual growth requires a diligent pursuit of God’s word. Faith comes by (is developed by) the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Hebrews 11:6 teaches us that to be pleasing to God, we must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). Jesus also taught that if we want to be citizens of the Kingdom, we must seek first His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Seeking God requires a diligent effort and desire to know and understand what He says.
We must do it. Simply knowing God’s word does not produce spiritual growth. Ezra did not stop at seeking the law of the Lord, but he worked to do it as well. God’s word must become action in our lives. James addresses this subject in Chapters 1 and 2. One cannot merely hear the word without obedience (Jas. 1:22-27). Faith requires action (Jas. 2:14-26). Jesus is not the author of eternal salvation for those who only know, but for those who obey (Heb. 5:9). The goal of studying is not to know more facts, but to apply the Word so that we can produce better choices, attitudes, relationships, and conduct for the glory of the Father.
We must teach others. Part of doing is helping others grow as well. Ezra sought, learned, did, and taught others how to do the same. Spiritual growth naturally develops a desire to help others grow. Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples and to teach them to observe all that He had commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). Paul instructed Timothy with a similar responsibility. “Commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). God’s plan for spiritual growth is a constant process.
Spiritual growth does not come from a quick-fix plan or a miracle pill. Instead, it comes by developing the right focus and habits outlined in Ezra 7:10. It takes time, effort, and hard work. Prepare your heart. Seek God’s word. Do it yourself. Teach others the same process. Not only will we grow when we follow this pattern, but we will help restore those in the sick and dying generation.
-Justin Guess