"SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENT" by Charles Wages

"SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENT"
by Charles Wages

The Bible clearly teaches that "AII scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
There is no doubt but that God is interested in children growing
properly in grace and knowledge, Spiritual attainment is not something
to be grasped after for personal or selfish gain, but to know God and
fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Just as an athlete exercises in a gymnasium so should the Christian be
actively engaged in God's world. This activity should not be just
"beating the air," but actually participating in vital, worthwhile
endeavors in accordance with God's will and Word. Four things that aid
in spiritual attainment will be briefly discussed. The order in which
they are given does not necessarily effect their relative importance.
Concentration
Concentration or intense interest in what a person is trying to
accomplish is of utmost importance to attainment of goals. The apostle
Paul states in Philippians "this one thing I do," in reference to
"pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus." Then again in Colossians 3:2, he says, "set your
affection on things above, not on things on the earth" Concentration of
the sun's rays on a combustible material will set it ablaze, in like
fashion if we give our strict attention to something for God, it will
bring results.
Abstaining
Abstaining or holding off from partaking or participating in certain
things is important to spiritual attainment. Sometimes things we don't
do are just as important as things we attempt to do, in our
over-indulged generation, the thought of restraint or self-denial is
rejected by most people. The truth concerning abstaining as taught in
the Scriptures is not confined to marriage and food, but principally
concerns "holding off from" evil, religious doctrine. For instance in
1Thessalonians 5:22, we are admonished to "abstain from every form of
evil." When we consider that one of the major characteristics of this
present evil age is "having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof" (2 Tim. 3:5), we conclude that God would have us not partake of
or participate in religious error. Even the Gentiles were instructed by
the apostles at Jerusalem to "abstain from meat offered to idols."
Nourishment
Nourishment of the proper sort is important to spiritual attainment. It
is common knowledge that the Bible uses items of physical food to teach
some of its greatest spiritual lessons. Our Lord did this time and time
again. Bread, meat, milk and honey are just few examples. But we
understand the Word to tell us of a more important form of nourishment
Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:6, "If thou put the brethren in
remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus
Christ nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine,
whereunto thou hast attained."
In Colossians 2:19, we are instructed that our nourishment comes from
the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ. Someone has said that we
should take this spiritual nourishment and (1) study it through, (2)
pray it in (3) put it down (4) work it out, and (5) pass it on.
Proper Attitude
A proper attitude is absolutely necessary to spirituai attainment The
wonderful passage found in Philippians 4:5-9 is so appropriate when we
think of our attitude and what it should be. We need to read and reread
this passage.
We might say our attitude could be found in three respects (1) Our
attitude toward God and His Word, (2) Our attitude toward men, and (3)
Our attitude toward ourselves. It follows that if our attitude is proper
and the way our Lord would have it, we will attain spiritually for the
glory and honor of our Head.

EXERCISE thyself rather unto godliness.
Forbodily exercise profiteth little;
but godliness is profitable unto all things;
having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.