Personal growth is an innate desire.
God made “growth” a desire in every person born.
There are several needs that every human must experience for stable emotional health.
They are:
- Certainty — A sense of security, safety, and comfort in the world
- Uncertainty (Variety) — A sense of change, interest, and adventure
- Significance — A sense of uniqueness, individuality, and being special
- Love & Connection — A sense of acceptance, belonging, and support
- Contribution — The desire to give to those around us
Tony Robbins says, “if you’re not growing, you’re dying.” This is true. Without a personal growth strategy, we become stagnant and lose our purpose.
Personal growth has different interpretations in different environments. For some, personal growth is an impetus for advancing your skills, education, knowledge, and individual outlook. Some people are empowered in growing atmospheres, and others lose their desire where growth opportunities are limited.
Change and growth begin with a desire to change and a heart to pursue change.
Someone said, “the harder we work, the luckier we get.” It is true that hard work and diligence are always rewarded. The Bible says the diligent hand will rule.
Success occurs where preparation meets opportunity.
Consistent effort and a hunger for knowledge are also key ingredients to personal and spiritual growth. It is no different for Christians. Christians should be the best employees. They should work as hard as others, arrive on time, and develop a great work ethic.
Believers are admonished to grow in their faith and become students of God’s word. We are to crave the food that produces spiritual growth and maturity.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
(I Peter 2:2, NKJV)
We are also called to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (II Peter 3:18, NKJV)
Notice the language — grow, and crave. These are words that require effort and action.
The author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success says, “Effort gives life meaning.” Effort reveals your passions. Effort defines importance — something is important enough to reach for.”
The effort proves our desire and leads the way to continual growth.
Andi Saitowitz says: “When we learn, we open our minds and discover new possibilities. We can learn to pioneer anything! The sky is the limit. Let’s give ourselves permission to try new things, take risks, and be humble enough to learn from new leaders and teachers.”
Let’s agree with Andi and learn to pioneer with God. Let’s also take risks and learn from teachers like Dr. Ken Baugh.
Dr. Baugh was a pastor for 25 years, now CEO of IDT Ministries, and a Distinguished Visiting Professor in Neuroscience and Trauma. His passion is helping people identify and resolve the spiritual and emotional conflicts that hinder their God-given purpose and potential.
Dr. Baugh emphasized five keys to spiritual formation:
- God provides us with the desire to grow. God wants to fill the gaping hole in our hearts that we seek to fill with things far less satisfying.
- God gives us the ability to make active, willful choices. We can choose to advance our relationship with God or not. A God of love does not force himself on us.
- When we respond with little steps forward, God gives us the power and desire to take even more significant steps. God rewards faith as small as a mustard seed.
- Our ability to exercise agency over our relationship with God doesn’t negate God’s sovereignty. God is in control of everything, regardless of our choices.
- We must actively participate in our growth and change. Sanctification is a progressive process, not a passive one.
Dr. Baugh’s 5 points on spiritual growth are both simple and profound. He emphasizes relying on God and His grace and paints a picture of God’s desire to walk with us and live through us.
Number five is a game-changer — we must actively participate in our growth and change.
I’m all in.
Will you join me?
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