Part 1 on Intentional Spiritual Growth
by Steve Dunn
Pop psychology often offers overly simplistic solutions to life's challenges. This video clip is a classic example of such solutions, which often fail because the problem is greater and more complex than we would like it to be.
There are indeed baby steps to be taken at first, but the ultimate goal is to be able to run the race and not grow weary. The apostle Peter reminds us that growing in Christ is a process--one that is continuing, intentional and progressive. We read in 2 Peter, chapter one ... His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (vss 3-8)
The bottom line, however, or should we say, "starting line," is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We don't grow up to be a mature Christian, we become that new creation which matures as a Christian. Doug Fields reminds us that "God provides the power for transformation. We provide the cooperation."
Maturing in Christ is not self-improvement or learning to cope with life, it is a new life altogether made possible by the grace and power of Jesus Christ who comes to dwell within us through His Holy Spirit.
We begin with a very simple acknowledgement of our need for Christ and an acceptance of the gift of life that he offers. That's the first step.
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