Doing Well and Growing Better

By: M. Charlotte Oliver

“Like new born babies crave spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

1 Peter 2:2-3

Facts of additional and continuous concern are necessary parts of life. I’d say that even attempts to live in Biblical truth can cause any person to stop, discern, and to question. To reflect, oppose to some life influences, make decisions, continue for the sake of what is good, as the walk endures toward the Light. The Light (John 8:12) represented in the truth of God’s presence in the lives of those who honor Him.

As a board member of several nonprofits, I often profess the need for (a) duty of care, (b) duty of loyalty, and (c) duty of obedience. These are very reminders I frequently share with some of my colleagues who work, day in and day out, in some of the poorest and most remote regions of the world. In the concept of self-care, or as my family used to say, “sui-cura”, we understand self-care to be the rest of the mind/soul and the body. But it has always been my belief that complete rest comes with contentment built on the fact that what is done is accomplished at the core-best of ability in the most honest way made possible by God. This most natural way comes through His only words, filtered into body and soul. To refresh the body and the spirit. To work in tandem with Holy Spirit, who R.C. Sproul named the life-giver, advocate, and illuminator. Of course, these are just a few of the many valuable descriptives of the third person of God.

My unshakable faith tells me to:

• To consistently search to find the necessity of advocating for the interpretations and correct instructions of sound doctrine in the world today. In my own life today;
• To acknowledge the need for spiritual and individual virtue, which continues to emphasize the work of Holy Spirit in my devotion and daily walk with God. Through the miracles that come only from God, the Love of His son Jesus, and my friendly companion, Holy Spirit;
• To reestablish the simplicity of the Bible in my depictions of who God truly is. Through well-prepared unsophisticated approaches, I strive to promote how God ought to be presented as has been specified through His words. The Bible-centeredness longing to meet the throes of the world with steadfast dexterity, attempts to negate any confusion to those who want to come to know Him better.

My mind is a citadel of faith. My soul is the foundation built on precious stones. Some shiny and smooth, some rough and sturdy. My totality, faced with common worldly conflicts of known untruths and the quick recognition of such untruths, brings me comfort that I certainly know better. As I read better, I engage my heart into the openness of written instructions, daily guidance, and consistent care.

My ‘doing well and growing better’ is constructed from a holistic faith. A faith that does not require justification. One built on simply opening God’s words each day. Words that reliably display the Trinitarian nature of sound doctrine used to select, purify, and restore His love, grace, and mercy within, as I strive to share these out into the world.

As the concerns come, I know what I must do (Hebrews 12:10), while also knowing where I must go (Matthew 6:33). To take up, open up, and to read.  When I understand God’s words, supreme elements of expression of my care for Him, my loyalty to Him, and my mostly obedient self, shines through.

Heavenly Father, I thank you!