October 21, 2024 P-D-C-A and the Holy Spirit
Monday, October 21, 2024
P-D-C-A and the Holy Spirit
But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].
Galatians 5:17, Amplified
How can we ensure that our faith grows deeper, and we live increasingly into and out of our saintly (vs. sinful) nature? Pondering this question prompted me to remember the approach I learned to ensure continuous quality improvements (CQI) from my days in health care. The steps are Plan-Do-Check-Act, or P-D-C-A (and for best results, no deviating from that order!)
We can ensure that we are maturing in Christ by applying the same steps to our daily walk with Him:
Plan: Awaken to each new day, rejoicing and being glad for the day God has created and planned ahead for us. I like to say it out loud even before my head rises from the pillow and with as much gusto as I can muster in the morning.
Do: Arm yourself for the day by putting on the spiritual armor of God. We need it to battle the enemy who is bound to be gunning for us (Ephesians 6:13-18). Fasten the belt of Truth first and foremost (without His truth, the day is not going to go well); then slip on the breastplate of Righteousness; step into the shoes of His Peace, don the helmet of Salvation that is ours through the life, death and resurrection of Christ; carry the shield of Faith for protection from whatever challenge or temptation the enemy will throw at us; and take hold and wield the only weapon we’ll need, the sword of the Holy Spirit. (If it helps, I imagine putting on each piece as I say these words aloud.) Now, we’re ready to head into our day and any surprises.
Check: Periodically throughout the day, pause and reflect how our thoughts, attitudes, and actions have reflected Christ thus far. Identify areas, large or small, where we hit the mark and areas where we might respond better.
Act: Keep going. Celebrate where we hit the mark. Take those areas for improvement, repent, and plan what we might do differently the next time … because there usually is a next time.
As the day draws to a close, thank and praise God for the opportunities we’ve been given to serve and bring glory to Him. Living out a daily P-D-C-A is the path to continuous improvement in our relationship with Christ and experiencing the quality of life God wants for us.
Reflect: Wherever you are in your day, pause and prayerfully work through the P-D-C-A. How does it reorder your affections about your day? How does it change your approach to the remainder of your day?
Pray: Loving God, thank You for Your Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation in which You willingly clothe me. Armed with these, I seek to walk in Your Spirit and increasingly respond as Christ would to each challenge or opportunity that comes my way, until it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me that everyone sees. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby,
Lay Leader