By all means, Grow

June 4th, 2026
by Bruce Smith

If you stop growing, you start decaying. Staying the same just isn’t possible.
-John Maxwell

__________________________

So come on, let’s leave the preschool finger-painting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on “salvation by self-help” and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!
-Hebrews 6:1-3 (MSG)

__________________________

The way The Message translation puts those verses is kind of condescending, but I believe that might be just what I need. Why is self-discipline such a problem at times?

__________________________

March 22, 2019 – I don’t like schedules, but I desperately need one to make sure I don’t get so distracted that I don’t accomplish the things I need to do. I don’t want to let things fall through the cracks or continually miss opportunities.

__________________________

Continual, intentional spiritual growth is truly what we need more of every day in our lives. It is the gateway to experiencing the fullness of life for which we were created. Why else would God take the time to send his Holy Spirit to live within us? Why would he give us spiritual gifts to fuel our ministry? God desires to live in us and through us so that more people can experience him on a deeply personal level. Whatever it takes, let’s commit to grow into being the right kind of vessel that God can use for his glory.

__________________________

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
-2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT)

__________________________

*Maxwell, John C. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0. HarperCollins Leadership, 2018.