One of the things I've been learning lately is that there's really only one way to grow spiritually. That is, it's to be reading God's Word daily and to be praying constantly. I think I've always known that, but I've let other things get in the way, thinking that I can get spiritual growth solely from community, or service, or worship. But really I've been learning that when it comes down to it, we need the Bible and there are no short-cuts around it.

As I've been reading through 2 Timothy, I have felt this to be true more than ever. We see Paul writing his last letter to Timothy. Paul knows that these are his last words to Timothy. And he encourages him to understand and know the importance of Scripture, basing everything that he does on Scripture.

"You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

-2 Timothy 3:10-17