GROWING

I have been preaching about the growing Christian. It is obvious that a church cannot grow if Christians are not growing. (I am talking about a "true church"). There are several components of growth. First, GOD must be at the center of all that we do! Next we must be READY to grow by planting the Word in our heart and breaking up the "hard ground" of sin and pride in our life. The third step is taking advantage of the OPPORTUNITIES that God places in our life. We must begin to see every person as a person who either needs Christ or encouragement in his walk with Christ. The fourth step is WORK! It takes work to grow as a Christian and to grow a church for God. This involves our time, talent, passion and resources. The last step is the SPIRIT of God. As "good ole' Baptist" we tend to leave the Holy Spirit out of our lives and our churches-this dangerous! I believe that is why we are weak and our churches are "dead". Are you growing as a Christian? God wants us to grow!! I was just thinking!