Now is the perfect time to be bombarded with goals, health club memberships, investment in precious metals, miracle meal plans, comfy pillows, financial prosperity, blah, blah, blah. Simple, easy, low cost, effortless, pain-free . . . it wears me out . . . you too??? If you just buy their _________ – then you will meet all your needs and goals you somehow weren’t able to accomplish in years past!!!

There is a simple growth program found in the Bible. It can smoothly be integrated into our daily lives. We can miss a day or two, and that’s just fine. People of all ages may join this program. It can remain low cost. The bad news about the program – it will take the rest of our lives to finish. The good news about the program – it will take the rest of our lives to finish! What is exciting, is that we can always have something to be working and striving towards with this program . . .

Here it is. Check this out:

Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and with men (Luke 2:52).

Four key areas. Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

Let’s look at how you and I can do the same. Plus, the myths and reality surrounding these four areas.

1. Mentally – Myth: I need to know everything about a particular topic. Reality to grow: experiences, reading, podcasts, thinking, praying, courses or classes, new skills, mistakes = improvement, learning, desire to become a better version of myself, creating, and reflecting.
2. Physically – Myth: I need to belong to a gym and/or purchase massive dollar amounts of equipment, food plans, and supplements. Reality to grow: Eating healthier, reducing sugar, pilates, stretching, walking, exercising, running, working/gardening outside, fresh air, sunlight, and getting out in nature more.
3. Spiritually – Myth: I’m not good enough for God. Reality to grow: The myth statement is accurate. We can never be good enough in our own strength and abilities. But, believing in His Son Jesus as our Lord and Savior is more than enough. Other ways to grow – Bible reading and study, fasting, giving, praying, church, books, serving, being still, solitude, gratitude, and worship music.
4. Socially – Myth: I feel like an imposter, what do I have to offer? Reality to grow: stop being a perfectionist, stop keeping score, stop comparing, accept you are enough right now, initiating conversations, small circle of true friends, actively listening to someone, texting encouragement randomly, volunteering, kind social media comments, forgiving offensive people, and setting boundaries with offensive people.

That’s a wrap! These four areas can be pillars for the rest of our lives. Please let me know in the comments of any other actions in these areas you’ve experienced that have helped you grow.

For God knew me in advance, and He chose me to conform to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Blessings,

Dave 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/author/davidrische