If you are a Christian, you have, no doubt, been repeatedly encouraged to grow in your faith and relationship with God. But have you ever considered why Christian growth is so important?
It is emphasized as if it were an “end” — the ultimate goal for a believer. But growth is really a means to an end.
For example, consider physical, mental, and emotional development. When children don’t develop normally, they are unable to experience many of life’s opportunities. Their potential is diminished because of their physical, mental, or emotional limitations. And they may not even realize what they are missing!
The same is true with regard to spiritual development. God has created every person to experience an intimate relationship with Him and to fulfill His eternal purposes. And yet underdevelopment will keep us from this full experience. There are things only spiritually mature believers in Christ can experience.
God desires your growth so that you can realize all that God has for you and fulfill His eternal purposes. Your Christian growth honors and glorifies Him. That is why you want to grow in Christ.
Purposeful Living
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
Just think, the Ruler of the Universe created you for a specific purpose!
He designed you with specific abilities. He placed you in a particular family and environment. All so He can accomplish what He has planned for you.
The King of the Universe has a plan for your life — a plan resulting in eternal significance — a plan that will bring Him great glory. But it requires your spiritual development.
With the fullness of the Holy Spirit, you can have a glorious destiny. But it involves growth.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV)
Ask God to open your eyes to the realities of what He has planned for you. As you gain increasing glimpses of your new potential as a new creation in Christ, you will become more willing to let go of those things that prevent you from experiencing the abundance He has available for you.
God has a wonderful plan for your life. Will you pursue Him and His purposes?
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:17, NIV)
It’s Your Future!
Are you willing to embrace the future God has designed for you? If so, commit yourself to a lifestyle of discipleship and keep in step with the Holy Spirit for Christian growth.
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