Spiritual leaders do not have an easier path to holiness than everyone else. Spiritual growth doesn’t come more easily just because I’m a pastor.

Like all believers, spiritual leaders are responsible to obey the command to grow: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18).

The word grow is in the present tense with an indicative mood. That simply means that we are commanded to be continually growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. Spiritual growth is not an option or a suggestion; it’s a God-given duty.

The Means of Grace

We all know that we should be growing in Christ, but sometimes we forget that God holds us responsible to use the tools He has provided for our growth. Christians of another generation described these tools as “means of grace.” They include reading and meditating on Scripture, praying, fasting, attending corporate worship, and celebrating the Lord’s Table.

Today we usually call them “spiritual disciplines.” We might also consider them “habits of holiness,” but whatever description we prefer, our regular participation in them is essential to our spiritual growth.

For example, Peter commanded us to long for the milk of the Word: “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation” (1 Pet. 2:1-2).

Let’s be clear: Spiritual disciplines are not given as a means of achieving something for God. They are, rather, the means of receiving something from God.

We do not read our Bibles and pray to meet God’s needs, any more than a child eats three meals a day to meet his parents’ needs. A child eats because he is hungry and will die if he doesn’t.

But a child is dependent on his parents’ provision and preparation of the food. A wise mom knows how to make nutritious meals tasty, and a wise dad turns mealtimes into celebrations. Food then becomes not only a means for growth but also a source of gladness.

The same is true of spiritual disciplines. They make us grow, but they also bring us pleasure, because our wise Father seasons our spiritual food with the spices of joy and delight.

Let’s focus on our relationship to Scripture. As you read the following passages, ask yourself if you find the same measure of delight in God’s Word as these writers did.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. . . . More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Psa. 19:8-11).

In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces (Psa. 119:14, 16, 72).

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts (Jer.15:16).

But what if we do not have this joy? The problem is not with the Bible; it’s with us. If we have lost our delight in God’s Word, it’s because we have spoiled our appetite by feasting too long on the world’s junk food.

Spiritual Diet Inventory

The purpose of the following questions is to help you honestly assess your daily habits. Take a few moments to answer these questions about your spiritual diet.

1. Do I love to read and meditate on God’s Word? Yes / No

2. How much time do I spend each day reading the Bible?

a. None
b. 5 minutes
c. 15 minutes
d. 30 minutes
e. More

3. How much time do I spend each day watching TV or reading the newspaper?

a. None
b. 5 minutes
c. 15 minutes
d. 30 minutes
e. More

4. Do I spend daily time in prayer? Yes / No

5. Based on my daily routine, which is the highest priority in my life?

a. Eating
b. Socializing
c. Entertainment
d. Spending time with Jesus in the Word and prayer

Habits of Holiness

The goal of spiritual disciplines is to help you form new habits that will keep you oriented to the Lord Jesus and His Word. Every Christian who has ever grown to great stature spiritually had to develop habits of holiness.

The particular forms they take vary from person to person. One person may have his quiet time in the morning, another in the evening. One may meditate on one verse in the Bible daily while another may read ten chapters. Some may use a prayer list; others may not.

What matters most is that we each build daily practices to help us bask in the light of God’s presence.