Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

Questions Week 18, Day 4

MATTHEW 7:1-5

What does it mean to be “spiritual?” Is it the opposite of being shallow and materialistic? Is it a vague way of saying “sensitive and in tune with others?” The vagueness of this word hides a simple truth. Most people who cultivate their own “spirituality” apart from the church community get to define their own journey exclusively. When we are the only designers, builders, and inspectors of our “spiritual homes,” they end up with shoddy construction and code violations!

Do offenders make the best judges? How then shall we identify our flaws and struggles? Do explorers not need seasoned guides or pupils learned professors?

How do you define what is to be spiritual?

Notice Jesus’ skepticism about our self-perception.

FAMILY TIME—

Who is the most spiritually mature person you know?

How can you tell?  

Questions Week 18, Day 3

EPHESIANS 2:19

Not only is God’s mission impossible without community power, but our own individual development is equally hard when left to our own devices. Do you know why sports records fall? Why performances improve? It is largely driven by the way modern athletes employ teams of specialists to help them develop. Nutritionists improve their diets, and trainers their fitness, psychologists enlarge their poise under pressure and their concentration, and coaches perfect their technique. Our growth as Christians is hugely helped by mentors, teachers, encouragers, examples, and folk who keep us tracking and accountable.

Who is on your team?

In what area of your life do you need to be coached?

 FAMILY TIME—

What coach or teacher has helped you most in your life so far?

Do you have a spiritual mentor?