Upgrading Our Spiritual Life
What’s your strategy when buying a phone? Some people purchase the latest model and, when a newer version arrives, immediately switch to that one. Others snag the “free phones” that come with a wireless plan. Some rely on hand-me-downs from family members who are upgrading.
As for me, I prefer to buy a used phone about three or four years after its release, and then I try to keep it as long as possible. With a sturdy case and the occasional battery replacement, my phone soldiers on until the fateful day comes—the day it can no longer accept the latest operating system update. After that, its days are numbered—not because the device no longer works, but because it lacks the technological chops to function efficiently. My once-reliable phone quickly devolves into a paperweight.
In the book of Acts, we see the disciples relying on their own “phone” just before a major “upgrade.” Immediately after Jesus’ ascension, the eleven remaining disciples seek a replacement for Judas, the betrayer who had hanged himself. Peter leads the fledgling group in establishing criteria for their newest addition: the man must have been a witness from John’s baptism through Jesus’ resurrection. Two qualified candidates emerge—Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias (Acts 1:23).
With two viable options before them, the disciples turn to a method long used throughout the Old Testament to discern God’s will: casting lots—something like rolling dice. How did the priest decide which goat was the sacrifice and which was the scapegoat? They cast lots (Leviticus 16:8). How did Joshua apportion the Promised Land? He cast lots (Joshua 18:10). How were priests assigned their roles? Lots again (1 Chronicles 25:8). How did the returning exiles decide who would live in Jerusalem? You guessed it—they cast lots (Nehemiah 11:1). So when the disciples faced their first major decision, they did the same. Congratulations, Matthias—you are the newest member of the Twelve.
Almost immediately after this selection, the followers of Jesus receive a crucial upgrade: the Holy Spirit. With tongues of fire appearing over their heads (Acts 2:2–3), the Spirit descends upon them. Supernatural gifts of communication follow, along with less dramatic—but equally important—spiritual gifts such as teaching, wisdom, knowledge, faith, and discernment. With this Spirit upgrade, the disciples no longer need to cast lots. Their once-essential method becomes as useful as an iPhone 2—a relic from a not-so-distant past.
That raises an important question for us: are we relying on outdated tools in our spiritual lives? Are we still guided primarily by insights we received five, ten, or even twenty years ago? This is all too common among followers of Jesus Christ. We become comfortable atop our spiritual plateau, and from that once-helpful vantage point, we quiet our soul’s discontent with a half-applied truth: God never changes.
That is true—God never changes—but we do. And with each new stage of life, each new version of ourselves, we need a renewed influx of God’s Spirit.
It’s like the software updates on our phones. They keep coming, and eventually we must upgrade just to maintain basic functionality. Yet with each upgrade, the potential for something better exists. The same is true in our spiritual journey. Keep upgrading your knowledge, experience, and faith. Complacency is never an option. With diligence, let’s continue our slow and steady growth.
