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Something Stunting Your Spiritual Growth?

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God wants us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). We never will arrive at fully knowing that grace for He keeps giving us more and more grace (Jn. 1:16; James 4:6). Nor will we ever stop growing in our knowledge of our Lord for the “Son is the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). Our finite minds can’t fully comprehend an infinite God. If we could, He would cease to be God for He would be no greater than us. No wonder the Apostle Paul wrote, “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” (Phil. 3:12). Yet, some Christians seem to be stunted in their spiritual growth.

What Might Be Stunting Spiritual Growth

The following list, which is not exhaustive, gives some possible reasons we fail to press on. This post cannot examine each of these reasons so click on the article(s) for help with it.

boredom

busyness

circumstances of life

comparisons

compartmentalizing

conflict with others

discontentment

faulty beliefs

fears

hurts/suffering

impatience

insecurities

lack diligence

legalistic, performance-based approach

lost first love

misaligned priorities

sin, bad habits, unhealthy attitudes

spiritual warfare

stuck in a rut

unrealistic expectations

God Has Provided What We Need to Grow

Our Great God as Our Father from A to ZNo matter what the reason may be, the one thing that applies to all is that our God is greater than all that pertains to you. It’s going to take more than good intentions and self-effort to grow spiritually. We need reliance on our Great God who has provided a variety of means to help us grow. Get to Him better in the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool.

Spiritual Growth Takes Getting Spiritually FItGod uses what has been termed “spiritual disciplines” to foster growth. Just as we engage in physical activities to strengthen our muscles, boost our energy level, and improve our overall health, so engaging in certain spiritual activities can do the same for our walk with God. The Getting Spiritually Fit: Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines Discipleship Tool primarily looks at five key activities that will help you become more spiritually fit.

Sowing Good into Our Lives That Helps Us Grow SpirituallyIt will, however, take more than routine discipline. Our attitudes, motives, and perspective in it make a big difference. The Sowing Good into Our Lives Discipleship Acrostics looks at traits that need to be sown into our hearts as we engage in various spiritual activities. A walk with God that stems from the heart tends to keep growing.

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Caught Up in the Comparison Game?

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Do you have a tendency to compare yourself to others? Playing the comparison game could take you in unhealthy and ungodly directions. We’re calling it a game because it isn’t always based on reality. Our next step usually depends on the actions, or reactions, of another person. It usually ends with winners and losers.

Results of Playing the Comparison Game

We may find ourselves to be inferior, superior, or equal enough that we feel we can be compatible.

  • Comparing and Finding Ourselves Inferior

Not measuring up to others can lead to insecurity and discontent. This can result in self-striving to make ourselves better.

  • Comparing and Finding Ourselves Superior

Assessing ourselves to be above others can lead to pride and arrogance. This can result in self-exaltation so others see us as better.

  • Comparing and Finding Ourselves Comparable

Finding people of the same measure as us can lead to a sense of security. This can result in self-protection from those deemed better or worse.

Getting caught up in comparing ourselves to others, no matter what we find, can result in self-centered living. That isn’t what God wants for us.

What God Says About Comparing Ourselves

Fix Eyes on Jesus Rather than Comparing Self to OthersGod tells us to fix” our eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) but it’s not about comparing ourselves to Him. We’ll lose that game every time because we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We keep our eyes on the One who died so we could be made right. He offers transformation, not a mere self-improvement plan (2 Cor. 5:17). — Grace

God’s economy is so much different than the way of the world. Rather than finding ourselves superior to those who may seem weaker than us, we raise them up. — “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Cor. 12:22-25) — Mercy

In Christ, as new creations, we are all equal. In Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). Outward appearance, accomplishments, intelligence, strengths, and weaknesses are all peripherals. Equality isn’t based on whether we match up to each other. Community in the Body of Christ isn’t a matter of finding those with whom we’re comparable. It’s about bringing all of our differences together and becoming better because of each other. It’s about caring for one another no matter how different we may be. — Love

Rather than play the comparison game, let’s extend grace, mercy, and love to one another … maybe even to ourselves. That’s the healthy and godly way

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Secure in the Lord Because of How God Relates

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In a previous post we determined that God’s character forms the basis for why we can be secure in the Lord. Out of who He is comes how He relates with us. Understanding that should further cement our sense of security.

Find Security in How God Relates with His People

Christ Died For Us So We Can Be Secure in HimHow God relates with us grows out of His view of us. Created in the image and likeness of God, we have an inherent worth as the highest of God’s created beings. God’s loving thoughts toward us are too numerous to count. He values us so much He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we can be in a close relationship with Him. The sin that mars us is covered over by the precious blood of Jesus so that when God looks at us, He sees His Son’s righteousness and not all that is wrong with us. Our security rests in His grace, not our personal merits.

Reflect on these verses:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Ps. 139:14)

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand – when I awake, I am still with you. (Ps. 139:17-18)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9)

Along with God’s view of us, He promises us His constant presence. With an awareness of His presence comes a sense of security. Reflect on what God told Joshua after Moses died and Joshua was left in charge of a group of people with a track record for being rebellious. Confidence was possible because of God’s continued presence. It wasn’t because Joshua was a great leader or because he was well-liked by others. It was because he could rely on the Lord’s power and wisdom that came with His presence.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Josh. 1:9)

What It Takes to Be Secure in the Lord Based on These Realities

We need perspective. When fears and insecurities set in, we need to remind ourselves of these truths:

  1. Our identity is based on how God views us. What He thinks about us and who He says we are matters more than what we think of ourselves or how others may view us.

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 Jn. 3:19-20)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:1-2)

  1. The Almighty God is always with us. With His presence comes the help and protection we need to be secure in Him, along with resultant peace, contentment, joy, and blessing.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)

.. be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb. 13:5)

The God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Rom. 15:33)

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Ps. 16:11)

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.(Ps. 89:15)

Resources to help you gain the right perspective:

  • Search for Significance by Robert McGee. (This link will take you to one of our affiliate stores where you can learn more about this book.)
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Secure in the Lord Because of Who He Is

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Sometimes as believers we let fears and insecurities hold us back in our walk with the Lord. That’s usually a sign we’re resting on our own abilities rather than on the Lord. When we understand the basis for security then we’ll know what it takes to be secure in the Lord.

Basis for Being Secure in the Lord

Secure in the Lord Because He Remains FaithfulWe can be secure because God stays true to who He is. Even when we’re “faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).

Becoming secure in the Lord is a process of learning to rely more and more on the love and grace of God in our lives. Knowing in our heads that God loves us is one thing but relying on that love is another. According to 1 John 4:16 we must do both. — “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” Reflect on how God’s grace and love applies to us:

My grace is sufficient for you … (2 Cor. 12:9)

God is love. … There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 Jn. 4:16-18)

We’re secure in Him because God is able to do that which His love and grace compels Him to do on our behalf. Consequently we can go forward with confidence, reminding ourselves that “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13). Now reflect on God’s power and strength that He extends to us:

… my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

The Bottom Line For Replacing Insecurities with Confidence

We must move the focus off of ourselves and onto the Lord. It doesn’t matter who we are or how long we’ve been believers. In ourselves, we don’t have what it takes. We all fall short. When it becomes more about who God is and what He does for us, we worry less and less about if “we” have enough faith, if “we” are strong enough, if “we” can live this Christian life, etc. We humbly admit that we can’t but God can because of who He is. We can therefore be confident and secure because we’re resting on Him, not ourselves.

Here are two resources to help expand your view of God:

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Unity or Disunity in the Church?

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We live in a divided society. Even in the Church we let all sorts of issues divide us with strong opinions pitting us against each other. We may follow certain personalities, putting one above the other. Perhaps we engage in certain inconsiderate practices that favor one group of people over another. Our programming can also separate us rather than bring us together. Brothers and sisters this ought not to be. Read through Ephesians 2 and discover God’s intent for unity, not disunity in the Church.

When God established the Church, He broke down walls, making unity possible. Why do we rebuild those walls?

Remember that we all are on the same plane and with the same ultimate purpose:

We all came from the same place pre-Christ.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Eph. 2:1-3)

We all came into Christ by grace. None of us deserved our salvation.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Eph. 2:4-9)

Having all been saved by grace, not of ourselves, we now live for Him, not to advance our own cause.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)

His Peace Brings Unity Not Disunity
On this foundation, God built His Church. bringing together two very different groups of people, the Jews and the Gentiles, who were hostile toward each other. He “made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility … in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility” (Eph. 2:11-16).

Being on the same plane leaves no room for superiority of one over the other. We are equal in Him, each receiving the same message of peace made possible because of His grace. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Eph. 2:17-18)

Walls stay down when Jesus remains the centerpiece, keeping disunity at bay. Why do we make it about ourselves?

We all have the same access (Eph. 2:18) to the throne of grace where we “may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16). “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Eph. 2:19). — When we rebuild those walls, it’s like we’re disregarding the fact that we’re God’s people. As God’s people, we align with Him. It’s not about our preferences or politics.

Here’s the key: The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” (Eph. 2:20-21). — When we let our differences, and any other cause, divide us, it’s like we’re saying that Jesus isn’t enough to hold us together.

We don’t have to rely on ourselves to stay united. Why don’t we depend on God’s power source?

When we keep the focus on how it’s “in him the whole building is joined together”, we rise above and “become a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:21). The good news is that God doesn’t expect us to muster up the will power and self-effort to stay united. Rather, “in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Eph. 2:22). When we walk by the Spirit, we will “serve one another humbly in love” rather than “gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:13-16).

When we make it about ourselves, we stifle and quench the Spirit who lives within us. Then we wonder why the Church at times looks no different than the world around us. Let’s be the Church God established us to be, built on the foundation of Jesus Christ with Him as the Chief Cornerstone, the Head of the Body.

Church leaders, do your part to steer the Body toward God’s power, the only means of staying united. Check out the Steering the Church Toward God’s Power Leadership Guide.

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Spiritual-Sounding Excuses to Bypass the Planning Process

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Previously we considered excuses we might give to bypass the planning process centered on practical-sounding reasoning. Perhaps when pointed out to us, we’ll acknowledge that kind of thinking doesn’t align with God’s ways. When, however, our excuses for not planning sound spiritually motivated, we may need more convincing that our thinking is misguided.

Misguided Reasoning for Bypassing the Planning Process Though It Sounds Spiritual

Misguided reasoning often is based on half-truths. What we say could be true, making us feel our excuses are legitimate. As in anything we do, we must consider the whole counsel of God.

Excuse #1: It doesn’t matter how we do something as long as we love God. If we just focus on love, everything will take care of itself.

Planning is prudentLove for God is indeed the greatest commandment. That command, however, comes with qualifications. We’re to love Him “with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind” (Matt. 22:37). Notice that we’re to love Him with all of our mind. God expects us to use our minds, not to merely coast through life, or to barrel through it. — “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” (Prov. 14:8)

Excuse #2: We shouldn’t look for trouble. We should merely trust God and keep moving forward.

Even Jesus said “each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34). Just prior, however, Jesus said, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Seeking is a striving after, not just laying back and waiting for something to happen. It’s about trusting God to provide for us as we seek after His will, not worrying. Jesus also spoke of counting the cost and sitting down to consider what to do before moving forward (Lk. 14:28-32). We plan to prevent problems, to avoid trouble. — “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (Prov. 22:3)

Excuse #3: We have little control over what’s going to happen so planning is futile. We should get out of the way and let God have control.

Scripture does indicate that “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Prov. 16:9). Yet, God encourages us to exercise wisdom and understanding in what we do. We’re told to “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). This suggests we take time to stop and think through what we do, to discern that which is the best course of action. — “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Prov. 24:3-4)

This doesn’t eliminate trust in God to have the final say. Rather, we look to God for His wisdom throughout the entire planning process. — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Prov. 3:5-7)

For more about aligning with God in the planning process, go to: Strategic Planning

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