Developing a Spiritual Nature
Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is Dr. James Perry continuing with our series where we seek to
explore the deeper meanings of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years, the heavenly
Father has revealed many revelations of spiritual truth to me, and I want to share them with you. This
morning we will examine the process for developing a spiritual nature.
And now, sit back and listen to today's message.
Developing a Spiritual Nature
"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with man and God." Luke, Chapter 2,
Verse 52.
Brother and sisters, developing a spiritual nature is a slow and gradual process. It unfolds as our
capacity and desire to do the Father's will grows. Consider this analogy: a snow flake is a crystallized
drop of water. Its form and shape is unique. No two are alike. A flake of snow is soft, pure, and
gentle. It falls on top of a mountain ever so gently. It lands without a sound, unannounced. It lies,
waiting patiently with other snowflakes for the heat concealed within the light to change its form to
liquid so that it may begin the eventful journey down the mountain. As the drop of water begins its
downward flow, it is joined by other drops of water, becoming a trickle. Soon, it runs into its first
barrier, a small cavern. It seems as if the trickle of water is blocked, but it gradually fills the small
cavern and overflows it. As the stream journeys down the mountain, much stronger and more
powerful in its new form, an even larger barrier confronts it. In time, the stream finally emerges as
a mighty river. This form will conquer all barriers that stand in its way to join the ocean at the
bottom of the mountain. The death of the snowflake is the birth of the drop of water that eventually
becomes part of a mighty ocean.
A child is born into the world absolutely helpless and with no experience. As he develops, he
becomes aware of the gentleness, meekness, and the temperance of his father's character. He comes
to recognize the drives of love, faith, and goodness that motivate him. He comes to marvel at the
peace, the joy, and the long suffering that his father enjoys. As the time goes on these values have
a profound effect on the son. He admires and loves his father so much that he cannot conceive that
anything could possibly happen to his father. And for awhile, it appears that his desires are well
founded. But at the most vulnerable period in this child's life, his father suddenly dies. All of a
sudden his whole life is plunged into a darkness that is pain, sorrow, and disappointment,
overwhelming grief. This darkness is very dark, but the memory of his father provides a light that
will not fade.
He cannot forget the kind, compassionate, and gentle father, nor the countless acts of unselfish love
bestowed on him. He cannot forget the faith that his father had in him, nor his goodness. His father
always was patient and peace-filled. As he ponders these memories, he is filled with an
unquenchable desire for his father. Gradually he loses the physical memory of his father but his
qualities remain and become idealized. As he lives his life, with its ups and downs, with its many
disappointments, sorrows, and pains, his desire for the Father of Fathers increases. He is consumed
with but one overwhelming passion: to do his Father's will, to find the Father of Fathers that he has
come to know, and to become like Him in the process. He longs for the divinity of the Father of
Fathers. He longs for the faith that is never disappointed.
By continuing to submit his will to the Father's will, this intense longing gradually strips his faith
of all material trappings as the son by trial and error finds the final resting place for his faith, the
bosom of the heavenly Father. He spiritual nature has developed. Out of love has this faith come and
out of faith has goodness blossomed. From goodness springs temperance, from temperance comes
gentleness, and meekness comes out of gentleness. Meekness gives birth to long suffering. Out of
long suffering flows peace, and peace eventuates in joy. These are the character traits that have
gradually been stripped of all physical attributes by the Father's spirit. These spirit reactions are the
results of having a righteous character.
This concludes today's message on developing a spiritual nature. We hope you find something in this
message to ponder and pray about as you go about your day. Until next time, this is Dr. James Perry.
Inspirational Messages
By Dr. James Perry
Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done!
Developing a Spiritual Nature
