Day 23

Chapter Twenty Three: How We Grow

Your heavenly Father's goal is for you to mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up. They are stuck in perpetual spiritual infancy, remaining in diapers and booties. The reason is that they never intended to grow. -Rick Warren

I think that this statement is really good...because it does describe many Christians...only have a glimmer of what it means to be Christlike and progressing no further than that. I know that for myself I am growing spiritually because I see things differently, I realize more, and I think more a long the lines of WWJD rather than what do I want to do. Following through is another matter.

Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Tell me what you are committed to, and I'll tell you what you will be in twenty years. We become whatever we are committed to. -Rick Warren

I try to think about what I am committed to, and it seems like such an oppressive idea. That is probably why I have flitted from one thing to another, never becoming really good at any one thing. Mediocrity.

Babies by nature are completely selfish. They think only of themselves and their own needs. They are incapable of giving; they can only receive. That is immature thinking. Unfortunately, many people never grow beyond that kind of thinking. The Bible says that selfish thinking is the source of sinful behavior. -Rick Warren

I think that overcoming the selfishness will be the hardest part. I live in a 'me' society...'what's in it for me'...'what about me'....etc. etc. And I am not faultless when it comes to thinking this way. I don't want to be selfish though...and my problem is that I get upset when I see other people being selfish. So, I don't want to be that way either.

Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle. -Rick Warren

I would love to hear this more often. So many people refer to Christians as 'religious'...no, they are just Christians. And those that know that they are true Christians are not 'part time' Christians, it defines their whole being. It's a lifestyle...not just something to do on Sunday.

Point to Ponder: It is never too late to start growing.

Verse to Remember: Romans 12:2b Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God--what is good and is pleasing to him is perfect.

Question to Consider: What is one area where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way?

If I am going to mature spiritually...I will need to begin not going to THAT level when I get upset about things that happen in my life. I become frustrated too easily with unfairness and injustice--especially when it involves me. I need to realize more often that life is multi faceted. I believe that thinking God's way will help me to feel less like I am 'giving in' to everyone else around me and ignoring myself. If I think God's way, he loves me and I will not be left out.