Make Growth Personal

When you think of the Lord’s church and growth, you probably think of putting big numbers on the attendance board. It’s true that members of the body should want the body to grow, but this is only one type of growth that occurs. At times we can think too much of numbers on the board and too little of personal spiritual growth. It’s the distinction of quality from quantity.

We will never develop spiritually until we make growth personal. A child’s physical health is marked by growth and development. Similarly, a child of God should not set out to be spiritually stagnant. Each of us must build on the foundation of our faith. Calvin Coolidge is quoted as saying “All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” There are many ways you and I can put this principle into practice.

Make growth personal through study. We have been blessed with all truth, everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). Reaching any level of spiritual maturity is going to require time in God’s Word. Christians desire a closer relationship with God and a better understanding of His righteousness (Matt 5:6). We must be diligent in our spiritual education if we hope to cleanse our way and live pleasing to the Lord (Psa 119:9; 2 Tim 2:15). When we neglect regular Bible study, we cannot mature and develop because we are spiritually malnourished (Heb 5:12-13; 1 Pet 2:2).

Make growth personal through exercise. If Bible study is our time to take in spiritual food, then spiritual exercise is where we use the energy gained from the food. It seems many Christians have become (if you’ll forgive the term) “spiritually obese” – taking in lots of food, but never working off the calories. What good is Bible knowledge if it doesn’t affect how we live. Put that fuel into energetic action: serving others, sharing the gospel, and defending the truth! If you don’t exercise yourself toward godliness, your growth will be hindered (1 Tim 4:7-8; 2 Pet 1:5-8).

Make growth personal through prayer. The New Testament instructs us to continually draw near to the Heavenly Father and share our concerns with Him (1 Thess 5:17; Jam 4:8; 1 Pet 5:7). Praying and living according to God’s will has great benefits (1 John 5:14; Jam 5:16). We should not expect to develop a closer relationship with our God while giving Him the silent treatment.

Make growth personal through your relationships. Focusing on individual improvement does not mean you must go it alone. God has blessed us with a church family so that they can help us to improve ourselves. The church is designed so that each member will both edify and be edified (1 Cor 12:25-27; Eph 4:16). Find motivation by focusing on ways your personal spiritual growth can be an asset to your church family. Let’s all make growth personal while we serve our God and each other.