Fleeing Wickedness and Seeking Righteousness: The Growing Desire for Spiritual Growth

FLEEING WICKEDNESS

In a recent survey by the Barna group 74% of those surveyed indicated that they would like to grow spiritually. Conclusions from the survey indicated that while church attendance and membership continue to decline, the desire to grow spiritually is on the rise. The percentage quoted above is for the overall number of persons surveyed regardless of religious affiliation or beliefs. This means that those who are not Christian are seeking something to believe in to fill the spiritual void in their lives. For Christians, this indicates that they are stalled in their spiritual growth or that they lack the knowledge on how to grow in their spiritual life. They must learn to blend knowledge and spirituality. Spiritual growth comes from increased knowledge of Scripture and being spiritually connected to Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The survey gives evidence to a growing need in our world for spiritual connection as rebellion against God increases. Rebellion against God has always existed in this fallen world but at times like this, it rises to new heights. This rebellion expresses itself in the form of wickedness. As the rebellion increases, wickedness follows and becomes more extreme, that even unbelievers are offended and repulsed. Vile behavior becomes more common and accepted which forces people to reconcile this wickedness in some way, either accepting or rejecting it. This is the point we are at now. Many people’s sense of morality is so offended that they seek a form of cleansing and justice. The Apostle Paul tells us in the 1^st book of Timothy that the man of God flees from evil and corruption by pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Finding righteousness after experiencing evil, gross immorality, and corruption brings cleansing to the mind and spirit.

“For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes.
“I will first doubly repay their iniquity and their sin, because they have polluted My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable idols and with their abominations.”

(Jer.16:17-18)

The above passage from the book of Jeremiah gives us a biblical view of the current situation. The gravity of the ongoing iniquity(wickedness) and blatant mockery of God, and of the teachings of God must be put in proper perspective. While this activity is celebrated and applauded by many people of influence, it is a grave offense against a Holy God which is not without consequence. As the verse explains that nothing is hidden from the eyes of God and that their sinful conduct pollutes His creation. This conduct is what is distressing the consciousness of good people and bringing longing for righteousness.

A HIGH-PROFILE TESTIMONY

Shawn Ryan is an ex-Navy seal who served many years in combat zones and as a CIA contractor. He recently found faith in God and gave his testimony which can be seen on his website or on Youtube, “The Shawn Ryan Show.” He explains that his road to faith began when he interviewed several people on his show who gave accounts of their personal encounters with the growing corruption, immorality, and sinfulness in our nation and the world. One person was a veteran who lost some of his limbs by an explosive device during the evacuation of Afghanistan. He described his mistreatment by government heath agencies and by the media who have ignored him as he has tried to give a truthful account of the failed evacuation effort. Another person is a computer specialist who has exposed and reported pedophiles who target children and distribute child pornography on the internet. He also emphasizes the depth of their depravity in abusing children. He reported that he is often ignored by law enforcement officials even when he supplies them with overwhelming evidence. His research has shown that there are a massive number of pedophiles operating in the country, but authorities have seemingly turned a blind eye to the problem. This was followed by the massacre of children and adults at a Tennessee Christian school which he visited shortly after the crime and was deeply disturbed by what he witnessed. These things and others all occurred within a short time which pushed him to experience feelings of extreme outrage over the vile, corrupt, and wicked state of the current society where government officials and a large percentage of the population endorse and praise these activities.

Witnessing and observing the vast corruption and defilement of a once moral society brought him to a very dark place where he lost hope and felt powerless to change things. Fortunately, friends who were believers intervened and presented the Gospel to him. He realized that in order to flee this wickedness, he needed to pursue righteousness. He embraced Christ as the light that brought him out of the darkness. He came to faith and now seeks to grow spiritually in his Christian life.

^“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.^” 
(John 8:12)
                                                                                               

FINDING RIGHTEOUSNESS

Ryan’s story is representative of what many are experiencing in these times where the growing darkness of evil is falling on a society that has turned away from God. The evil is real, and it is bringing fear into the hearts of many who are seeking deliverance. The righteousness of Christ draws them to Himself where he shines as the Light of the World. He offers a cleansing of the spirit from the pollution of sin as the source of Living Water. Christ calls to those who are distressed and seeking protection as The Good Shepherd. Finding faith in Christ is the beginning of a spiritual journey that leads to transformation towards being conformed to the image of Christ. Spiritual growth is the process of achieving maturity in the faith, by gaining wisdom, knowledge, and a spiritual union with Christ through the work and power of the Holy Spirit. For those who ae fearful and anxious, “Fear not because it is Gods good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” (Luke 12:32).

Next Step

For those who seek to fill that void in their spirit and desire an escape from the Kingdom of Darkness and into the Kingdom of Light, then I encourage you to seek Christ and His righteousness. For those in ministry, let us meet the challenge of this situation by preaching, teaching, and leading seekers to Christ. Spiritual growth is part of the sanctification process where a believer progresses from a newborn and into a mature Christian. Believers can find teaching on spiritual growth by accessing the teachings on sanctification. This article is meant as an introduction on spiritual growth which will soon be followed up by instruction. I recommend the following resources for those who desire to take the next step now.

• Growing in Holiness by R.C. Sproul
• Growing Towards Spiritual Maturity by G.C. Newton
• Spiritual Growth by A.W. Pink
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer