Are we growing with God?
As many of you guys know, we both attend Ada Bible. A few weeks ago, Jeff Manion taught a sermon on sanctification. Yes, we know—that’s a fancy word! However, as we processed it, the idea is pretty simple:
Following Jesus isn’t just about the moment we accept Christ. It’s about what happens in us after that.
Are we growing in our faith and actions, or are we stagnant?
How is our decision-making? WWJD?
Are we going through the motions, or are we really working to grow in our faith?
We’ve found ourselves coming back to that message quite a bit. It’s easy to get stagnant in our growth when our faith gets comfortable.
We believe in God. We go to church. We pray. We know the Bible stories. Maybe we’ve been Christians for 10, 20, or 30 years. But is our faith really growing and supported by our actions?
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” —Philippians 3:12
Is it important to be saved? YES!
Is it also important that we continue to be saved daily from our sinful nature by trusting and serving JESUS? YES!!!
Whether we were saved years ago or are new to the faith, our walk with Christ is a daily walk—waking up EVERY day with an attitude to grow.
Jesus compares our lives to a fruit tree. If you know how fruit trees work, they first grow and build branches and structure. Then, after a few years, they start to produce fruit. However, if the tree is not managed well, the fruit suffers, either in quantity or quality.
It takes consistent care and intentional work to produce a great harvest.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5
How often do we reflect on the fruits of the Spirit? Are we growing? Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control.
Here’s an even tougher question: How would the people closest to us say that we are GROWING?
Let’s be honest with ourselves—or better yet, maybe ask someone we trust!
WHERE IS GOD TRYING TO GROW US RIGHT NOW?
Maybe it’s patience. With tough people, situations, or KIDS!
What about our marriage? Are we giving our best to our wives? Are we CHERISHING them?
Our kids? Are we phoning it in, or are we engaging and leading our family?
How are we doing with pride? Something we often brush under the rug, but it always seems to linger!
How about self-control? Are we honest with ourselves about what we are putting in our minds and bodies?
Maybe it’s forgiveness. Maybe someone comes to mind right now?
God wasn’t done with us when He saved us the first time.
He has work for us to do!
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:6
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” —1 John 3:16
This week, let’s not try to fix everything. Instead, our challenge is to pick ONE thing to work on. And pray each morning:
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