Walking along the Growth Path

Our sinful nature means we are broken and unable to fix ourselves. We are rebellious, prideful, and self-centered, wanting control of others, refusing to submit to the will of the Holy Spirit. Only God’s grace and truth reconciles, heals, and restores us back to Him. Relationship with God is possible again when we accept the gift of grace made possible by the Savior’s death and bodily resurrection.

Pressing on toward the goal: Seek Righteousness. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12). Examine the external and the internal. “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Recognize the need: Admitting you do not have it all together and realizing the need is the beginning to growth. The process of spiritual growth begins when people recognize the need for God or growth, or have some type of struggle or problem that requires God’s help. Whenever you can identify the need, you can find the point of entry: Help comes from outside ourselves – that is, from God and others. The following is a partial list of the fruit (symptoms) that are actually the result of deeper soul and spiritual issues:

·         Marriage or dating conflicts, family problems, and career failures

·         Depression, doubt, anxiety, and troubled emotions

·         Addictions and hurts from the past  

Identification of issues: Real change takes place from dealing with the root causes, not just the symptoms. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:18). Character injuries and immaturities are the central issues that drive the fruit (symptoms).

·         Lack of bonding and trust

·         Problems being separate and setting limits

·         Problems controlling others

·         Inability to deal with one’s badness

·         Problems accepting the failures of others

·         Struggling in relating to the world as an adult

Issues have a history: Our past injury and pride blinds us to the truth and reality that sets us free. For empathy and perspective, be aware of people’s history. Helping others to see and understand the patterns in their lives will help them turn a major corner in their growth. Understanding the past helps people to see what parts are their fault (control, withholding love, non-acceptance), and what parts are the product of living in a fallen world (death of a loved one, chronic illness).

Take ownership: Ownership is about accepting reality. Taking ownership starts when a person comes to the realization of his or her problem and that growth is the only solution. The process often takes time, as people sort out their feelings about the nature and cause of their issues, and then practicing new skills.