Orlando, FL 2009: Not even the noise and chaos of the NBA Finals should distract from taking in absolutely everything. Similarly, though in awe in Christ, disciples must navigate the landscape to the full in a way reflected and proven on the scoreboard.

From Trent Ling:

I partake of a real ministry which somewhat resembles life within a spiritual hurricane.  Bountiful, exciting, and unique, the atmosphere does however present some drawbacks, particularly for those struggling against its relentless currents.  And despite ever-flowing and awe-inspiring revelations, proclamations, powers, and possibilities, spiritual overeating without proper digestion (no matter how nutritious the food) only debilitates.  As spiritual maturation remains a steadfast process, it cannot be rushed, short-circuited, or cheapened.  So, without taking grown-up charge of our lives and seeing to our own footing, we succumb to bewilderment beneath heaps of advice.  Deluged by suggestions and admonitions, actionable courses become indiscernible despite options and choices aplenty.  It’s like watching dehydrated plants wither beneath flood waters.  Not pretty, it makes no sense.

The preached message “First Grade” (available upon request) years ago cleared the landscape for us, allowing all to thrive beneath any downpour of advice.  But still, barrages of advice manage to find well meaning but self-defeating ears.  “First Grade” provides insight, direction, spiritual infrastructure, and plenty of oxygen.  Still, most are swept away with it just as easily as they were without it.  Nothing must torment God’s heart more than delivering authentic solutions upon silver platters again and again to no avail.

As matters of foremost importance, those in the faith must gain a solid footing, establish a relationship with the Bible, prove “Fastidious,” grow, and thereafter undertake more in accordance with their faith.  Certainly, at the point where we “Prove Genuine,” we stand ready for whatever God would have us do next.  As exciting as that learning curve may appear, it can only begin aboard coherent and demonstrated understanding of the elementary truths in the early grades in Christ.  And should we fumble them or otherwise stumble amongst them, no matter how long we’ve been around, we must return to foundational truths to put our houses back into order.

“Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.  You need milk not solid food.”  Hebrews 5:12.

Before becoming world-beaters or conquering heroes, disciples of Jesus must provably hold fast to elementary teachings so that any subsequent building shan’t be sentenced to ultimate collapse.  So get earplugs if necessary and blinders if you wish.  Say “enough already,” or wear a homemade “brain is full” sign.  Whatever it takes, get to the firm foundation, lock it down (message “Lock Down and Look Ahead” available upon request), and emerge eventually ready for something new upon the tasty Kingdom menu.  Only then shall our liberated clamoring be enjoyed as the beautiful din of an ultra-healthy spiritual marketplace.

Please feel free to join and further the discussion via the options below. No email or website information is required to post comments (unless you seek the notifications offered).