When our Christianity becomes an event, it is in danger of becoming sterile and perfunctory. Evangelism, discipleship and spiritual growth should be more than an event filling a prescribed time slot; they should be a part of our personal DNA.

One of the greatest dangers for those of us in ministry is going through the motions, meeting expectations and fulfilling a job description. Ministry needs to be “who we are” not just “what we do,” or we will certainly become “weary in well doing!”

Our goal should be to keep our spiritual lives fresh and our relationship with Jesus intimate. Working on the “inner man” must be a vital part of our day. Perhaps you are a morning person, so you prefer to begin your day in the Word. Or, if you are a night person then end your day in the Word. The idea is to give God our best time, not our left-over time.

I personally believe that the overflow of our spiritual life is the real ministry to others. Think about filling a bucket with water until it overflows, spilling over onto the surrounding space. Cultivating our personal walk with the Lord allows us to minister from that overflow.

Living a spiritually anemic life produces negative personal and ministry consequences. The words of Jesus are revealing, Matthew 22: 29, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” Notice the strong correlation between the Word of God and the Power of God for our lives.  Some dangers of operating spiritually anemic are:

• We make decisions with a lack of spiritual discernment. 1 Corinthians 2:15—But he that is spiritual judgeth (discerns) all things...
  

• We are more vulnerable to temptation. 2 Corinthians 2:11—Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

• We receive less guidance from the Holy Spirit. Psalm 73:24—Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel (Word), and afterward receive me to glory.

Growing in grace and knowledge is a clear mandate for us as believers. 2 Peter 3:18—But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

I would like to suggest six steps to “Spiritual Integration.” These should not be viewed as six easy steps to spirituality but rather as a process for establishing spiritual habits.

1. Realize that you need to grow. Study the Word twice, the first time for yourself and the second time for everyone else. If the only time we study the Word is to get something to give, we will become anemic.
   
   
2. Set a goal for your personal devotion or study. We all know that this will not “just happen,” as there are many life demands. The step from “need” to “goal” is often missed.
   
   
3. Create your plan. For example, determine “I will do this before breakfast;”  “I will do it before bed,” or whatever is best for you, but have a plan.
   
   
4. Gather your materials. What tools are you going to need for this particular discipline?
   
   
5. Follow through with the discipline. Focus on this until it becomes fully integrated into your life. It takes time to establish a pattern so take it slowly. By the way, do not confuse discipline with legalism or “checklist Christianity.”
   
   
6. Once you have integrated the discipline, it is time for evaluation. Determine another area of personal growth and repeat the process.

We should never stop growing or think we have arrived spiritually. We have been given the gift of salvation and the privilege to know the King of Kings intimately. Let’s not waste it.