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In our membership class, we say our church should never stop growing because growth is God’s will. Here’s a thought to ponder: The moment you stop growing, you start dying.
It’s the reason why our mission statement explicitly says that we’re in the business of helping people become healthy followers of Christ. The whole point of the maturity class is to get you in the process of growing. How do you grow and how do you know you’re growing?
The temperature of your alone time with God speaks of the condition of your relationship with Him. Your relationship with other people verifies the reality of your love for God. Talk is cheap, but your tithing / giving habits or lack of it speaks loudly about your trust in God.
If you read the previous paragraph again, we mentioned 3 markers of personal growth: (1) your one on one time with God, (2) your involvement in a small group and (3) your generosity.
Let me tackle each one with some suggestions.
(1) Your One on one time with God
If you have not already done so, commit to read through the Bible in one year. Once you’ve read it through, make it a lifetime habit. I’m thankful for the godly people who have influenced me to do the same. The vast majority of Christians who say they believe the Bible from cover to cover have not even read the whole book from beginning to end. So read the whole Book as this is one of the major ways God speaks today.
Write your prayers. Say it aloud. Write your impressions from Scriptures and what comes to mind as you’re quiet before God. Document these in a notebook. Before you know it, you just engaged in the spiritual discipline of journaling.
(2) Your involvement in a small group
Experienced ministers say that a small group of people (6-10 persons) meeting weekly for a season is the most conducive atmosphere for spiritual growth. So if you’re actively involved in a small group, chances are, you’re not growing to your fullest potential.
Our 12-week spiritual journey using Experiencing God is your shot at becoming an active participant in a small group. You don’t belong to any? Start one. Been in your small group too long? Break away and start a new one.
If you’re not convinced about the claim that small groups is the most suitable environment for growing spiritually, have you ever wondered why Jesus have a small group of 12, of whom 3 were closest to Him?
(3) Your generosity
The one passage of Scripture where God says, “Test Me” refers to giving regularly towards the Lord’s work. It’s found in Malachi, where God says, give a tenth portion of your resources faithfully and you won’t have any room for the Lord’s blessings that will follow.
Please don’t think this is another tacky appeal for money or a ploy towards guilt-trip giving. After all, the Owner of the universe ultimately does not need our help. But if you ever wondered about the common saying, “Put your money where your mouth is,” then the regular practice of giving generously says out loud, “I trust God” that what will be left is more than enough for my needs after I offer my very best first and foremost.
Lack finances? Money is not the only way to tithe. A friend of mine gave a tenth of her time by volunteering in church back in the day when we were still poor students.
Refuse to die. Start growing today. Make 2009 the year you continually grow wholly for the rest of your life. Here’s a measurable growth process in a nutshell:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->(1) <!--[endif]--><!--[if !supportLists]-->Spend time with God daily. Read the whole Bible. Pray. Write.
(2) <!--[endif]-->Meet weekly in a small group: study, pray & fellowship.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->(3) <!--[endif]-->Dedicate your best 10th to God. Devote your entire life to Him.
ricky p. mapa, pastor
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