Day 23: How We Grow

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Like most parents, they want their children to become adults and grow-up.  They do not want you to just age but grow in personality, character, and intellect.  Being one of God's children, he looks for the same.  He wants us to intentionally commit, desire, and otherwise persist in growing.  What we choose to commit to is what we become.  With that being said, some of us will float through life with no direction, some of us will put only half in, and some us will commit completely [usually to some materialistic means].  No matter the commitment [or lack there of], it has a consequence; so choose wisely!

I used to think my choices were just that, mine!  Through Christ I have found this is not quite right.  The work I put out is the only responsibilty I have.  How I treat people.  How I react.  How I portray christ & his values.  How I handle situations.  It is developing what I already have.  God's responsibility is the work he puts in.  This is not just the Holy Spirit inside us but how he works with us to develop what we may not have like faith, love, patience, leadership, hope, maybe even sorrow, and compassion.  He is the autopilot within us all.

Changing the way we think is no easy task.  It is taking those immature, self-centered, self-seeking thoughts and throwing them away.  It is creating a two way street where we are no longer just receivers, but are also givers.  Where we can walk in other's shoes and do so with conduct and character.  Where we can go past creeds and convictions-trials and tribulations.  It is doing what is unnatural, most difficult, and rare to see in today's society.  I would like to grow in the place where the soil is the best but the hardest to cultivate.  I would like to grow where there are no obstacles as far as the eye can see but the place is hard to get to.  Where would you like to grow and what habits will you have to change to get there?

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12:2

The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.

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