Do You Need a Spiritual Supplement?

February 18, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness” (2 Peter 1:5-6).

Many of us take vitamin supplements. Here, Peter is calling us to spiritual supplements: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, and endurance. Each of these builds upon and complements the others. Peter knows that these spiritual supplements will strengthen both our walks and our witnesses to the world. He reminds us that developing these virtues takes effort, intention, and commitment. We glorify God and are blessed when we develop and live into these expressions of godliness.

What are spiritual supplements? They are practices (also known as disciplines) that draw each of us closer to the Lord such as reading the Bible, praying, Sunday corporate worship, daily worship, Scripture meditation, Lectio Divina, or small group studies. While not an exhaustive list, it is a starting point. God has made us each unique, so we hear and perceive him differently. The key is to consider the ways in which God is calling you to supplement your faith then commit to that discipline or disciplines.

Lent offers an ideal time to supplement your faith. For the 40 days of Lent, many people take on activities such as spiritual disciplines or give up ways, habits, or things that distract them from the ways of the Lord. Your divine invitation for today is to consider what supplements you may need and how to implement those practices. Do you need more faith, more goodness, more knowledge, self-control, endurance, or godliness? Ask the Lord and/or a trusted spiritual mentor or friend then commit to supplementing what is lacking throughout the next 40 days.

Reflection:

What is the Lord calling you to supplement this Lent? Daily Scripture reading and/or meditation, a small group Bible study, commitment to Sunday worship, a fasting regimen, regular prayer times, or something else? Spend some time asking the Lord what would allow you to grow closer to him throughout this Lenten season and then make every effort to supplement your faith for 40 days! We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.