Spiritual Coach Potatoes

We've recently been in a youth minister search at our congregation. For some reason, the words seek and search popped into my head. There are those who think we (the youth minister identification team--great name isn't it? I would have called it the search committee, but that sounds so much more official) have just sat back and allowed the resumes to come in. They haven't seen us calling Christian schools, talking to others about those who might be interested, handing out job descriptions, and advertising the position. It has truly been a search.
Jesus told us to "seek and you will find." He also told us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." There is something to be said about the effort made in seeking.
I'm afraid that we have developed into spiritual couch potatoes. We haven't searched much. We certainly haven't sought out the spiritual disciplines that are evident in so many spiritual people and groups. Instead, we (and I truly include myself in this group) have sat back and hoped and wished that we would become stronger spiritually simply by laying back. There has been no study, no prayer, no fasting, nothing. Only sitting back with the spiritual channel changer hoping God will allow us to grow stronger in our faith.
In high school, we had to run. Dr. Wilt Martin, I still call him "Coach," said we had to be in shape to play the game of basketball. It was discipline and effort. Was it pleasant? No, not most of the time. The gratification came when we were prepared in difficult situations to face whatever came our way. Why do we think our spiritual lives are any different?
I'm not advocating a salvation by works. I'm saying that if we intend to grow, it will take effort on our part. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," Paul said. I think we all agree that anything worthwhile will take some planning, preparation, and effort on our part. Otherwise, we will indeed become lazy and unfruitful. Let's put the effort in to grow in our spiritual lives. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well. Have a great day. JW