Day 23 – How we grow

God wants you to grow – it is never too late to start growing

Sadly, millions of believers grow older but never grow up – they remain stuck in spiritual infancy. Spiritual growth takes an intentional commitment to get started. Decide to become a disciple.

Your commitments can develop you or destroy you, but either way, they will define you.

Every choice has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely!

+ GOD’S part and your part

Becoming like Jesus is the end product of making Christlike choices and depending on His Spirit to help you until those choices are fulfilled – letting go of old routines, developing new habits and intentionally changing the way you think. Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between you and the Holy Spirit. It is growth through God’s Spirit working with you and in you.

+ Changing your autopilot

Behind everything you do is a thought. – Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Willpower can produce short term change, but it creates internal stress because it is an unnatural state, and doesn't deal with the root cause – your old patterns quickly reappear – Change your autopilot – the way you think.

The way you think will determine the way you feel; and the way you feel will influence the way you act.

To be like Christ you must develop the mind of Christ – You take on Christ’s outlook and perspective; thus stop thinking immature thoughts, which are self-centred and self-seeking. Selfish thinking is the source of sinful behaviour – start thinking maturely and focus on others, not you.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” A believer’s life is far more than creeds and convictions; it includes conduct and character. Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds and our belief must be manifested with Christlike behaviour.

We don’t practice a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle.

Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness and the best evidence of spiritual growth. – In humans this kind of thinking is rare, unnatural, untraditional (always looking out for no.1) and difficult. Fortunately we have help - “God has given us His Holy Spirit” – seek Its help!

Here’s to a more thoughtful day… Love you ~ Stafford

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9