Pathway to Spiritual Growth
Monday/May/14 2007 | Pastor's
Heart
Dear Friends,
I would like to share with you something that the Lord Jesus has been having me think about, and that is the issue of growth. Whether it is spiritual growth, relational growth or organizational growth one thing is relevant to all - that "Without Change, There is No Growth!" Please let me clarify, I am not speaking of change simply for "change sake" but of necessary, critical and strategic change that will move us toward our future and destiny in Christ Jesus.
However, it is a well known fact, that most people do not like change but prefer the familiar and will not change until they are forced to change by circumstances or situations beyond their control.
Forced change is not the best option or plan. Maybe that's the problem, most people do not 'plan' change, it's usually thrust upon them. Hey if you're one of those people who do not change until they absolutely have too, then you're in good company. The apostle Paul before his conversion was a persecutor of the Lord's church and the only reason why he changed was because the Lord gave him a "Reality Check!" (see Acts 9:1-6)
"Facing Reality" is an important aspect toward significant and valuable change or in other words giving yourself a "Reality Check" before the Lord has to give you one. There will be no change until we recognize the need for change.
1Corinthians 11:31-32 GWORD
“If we were judging ourselves correctly, we would not be judged. But when the Lord judges us, he disciplines us so that we won’t be condemned along with the rest of the world.”
There are some key points toward successful and strategic change:
1. We cannot change ourselves without the Lord's help (Phil. 2:12-13)
2. We cannot change ourselves without the help of others (James 5:16; Heb. 10:24-25)
3. We cannot change without loving the truth (John 8.32, 45; Ps. 119:30; Gal. 4:16)
4. We will not change without faith determination and diligence (Heb.6:12; 1 Pet. 1:5-11)
Change is not always easy but when it is change that is consistent with the Lord's word then it is always worthwhile. That is change for the better and not for the worst.
Be encouraged,
- Pastor Jason
I would like to share with you something that the Lord Jesus has been having me think about, and that is the issue of growth. Whether it is spiritual growth, relational growth or organizational growth one thing is relevant to all - that "Without Change, There is No Growth!" Please let me clarify, I am not speaking of change simply for "change sake" but of necessary, critical and strategic change that will move us toward our future and destiny in Christ Jesus.
However, it is a well known fact, that most people do not like change but prefer the familiar and will not change until they are forced to change by circumstances or situations beyond their control.
Forced change is not the best option or plan. Maybe that's the problem, most people do not 'plan' change, it's usually thrust upon them. Hey if you're one of those people who do not change until they absolutely have too, then you're in good company. The apostle Paul before his conversion was a persecutor of the Lord's church and the only reason why he changed was because the Lord gave him a "Reality Check!" (see Acts 9:1-6)
"Facing Reality" is an important aspect toward significant and valuable change or in other words giving yourself a "Reality Check" before the Lord has to give you one. There will be no change until we recognize the need for change.
1Corinthians 11:31-32 GWORD
“If we were judging ourselves correctly, we would not be judged. But when the Lord judges us, he disciplines us so that we won’t be condemned along with the rest of the world.”
There are some key points toward successful and strategic change:
1. We cannot change ourselves without the Lord's help (Phil. 2:12-13)
2. We cannot change ourselves without the help of others (James 5:16; Heb. 10:24-25)
3. We cannot change without loving the truth (John 8.32, 45; Ps. 119:30; Gal. 4:16)
4. We will not change without faith determination and diligence (Heb.6:12; 1 Pet. 1:5-11)
Change is not always easy but when it is change that is consistent with the Lord's word then it is always worthwhile. That is change for the better and not for the worst.
Be encouraged,
- Pastor Jason