6 Ways You Can Effectively Grow and Change
The purpose of the Christian life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Believers glorify Him by conforming their lives to the truths in His word and by growing in Christlikeness. However, effectively growing and changing into the image of Christ is not a one-sided effort. Here are some ways we can effectively grow and change.
You and I cannot change; accept we are first in Christ and then through the working of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our part is obedience to His Word and the working of the grace of God in our hearts and minds.
Sanctification, which is growth and change, is the beginning work of God, but we must personally pursue it.
So here’s the question we need to ask and answer today: “What does the Bible teach on how to effectively grow and change?
To Effectively Grow and Change There Must First be a Solid Foundation
I have never met anyone who did not see a need for change in at least some area of their lives, especially a believer. But before there can be true effective change there must first be a foundation on which to grow.
Jesus says this in Matthew 7:24-27,
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against the house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against the house; and it fell_ and great was its fall.”
The foundation of effective growth is the rock, Jesus Christ. If you are in Christ the process has begun and God who began the good work in you will carry it to completion.
Growth and Change are God’s Will
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, we are told that our sanctification is the will of God. In other words, it is His will that we are set apart for pure and holy living. Initially, that took place at conversion, but there is a continual need for you and me to put to death the deeds of the flesh. Paul teaches in Romans 8:13 that if we live according to the flesh, we must die. But if we are living by the Spirit and are putting to death the deeds of the body, we will live.
It is God’s will for His children to walk according to the Spirit. He has a purpose, a plan, and causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Growth and Change Must Be a Personal Pursuit
We know that it is God’s will for His children to be sanctified and that comes by being transformed in the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:1-3. As I stated earlier, you and I must pursue personal growth and change. God begins the work, but you and I must keep in step with His moving and working.
James tells us in James 1:27 that it is our responsibility to keep ourselves unstained by the world.
God tells Cain in Genesis 4:7 that sin is crouching at the door, its desire is for him, but he must master it.
Sin and Satan are not for us; they are against us.
They directly oppose the good God has in mind for us.
You and I must put on the full armor of God and fight the spiritual battle that rages war against us, remembering that God is for us, He is not against us, and all His promises are yes and amen in Christ.
Personal Pursuit Does Not Mean Effecting Change Through Our Own Strength
When we are weak, then He is strong. We do not fight sin with the flesh; we fight with faith and the strength God provides. We know if we are fighting in the power God supplies we fight according to His words and ways, not with the desires of the flesh or the ways of the world.
example:
When I am insulted, how will I fight? An insult for insult or by turning the other cheek in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
Galatians 5: 19 tells us the deeds of the flesh are evident. They are in plan view and are obvious to all.
We must think differently about growth and change than the world and the flesh. It’s obvious what the flesh will do or wants to do. Refer back to Galatians 5:19! But what does God say to do?
We must give up the desires of the flesh and replace the desire with the pursuit of holiness and the power of Christ, which dwells in us.
We are Positioned in Christ for Growth and Change
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Knowing this, our old self was crucified with Him so that our body of sin might be done away with so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who died is freed from sin.
A change has taken place for those who are in Christ Jesus. We did not do it; Christ effected that change on the cross. We no longer should nor do we have to walk as slaves to sin. We are freed from the condemnation and the power it had over us. We are free in Christ. If we are in Christ, growth, and change are possible.
We are Given the Power for Growth and Change
Because of our position in Christ we share in His nature. Through Him, we are being transformed into His image from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18.
I do not know what to ask for, nor can I think up what change needs to occur to grow in grace and truth. But he does. We are told in Ephesians 3: 20, “He is able to do far more than we know to ask or think, according to His power that works within us.”
As new creatures in Christ, you and I are supplied with His knowledge and power for growth and change.
Pulling it All Together
Effectively growing and changing is possible and we are not on our own to accomplish it. What good news! Remember the following for hope and encouragement. Pray and ask God for the desire and strength to grow and change for His glory. When our focus is to honor and glorify Him we will influence, encourage and help those He places in our path.
1. Growth and Change Begin on the Foundation of Christ.
2. It is God’s Will for You to Change.
3. You Must Personally Pursue Growth and Change.
4. Growth and Change Comes Through the Strength God Supplies.
5. You Are Positioned in Christ for Growth and Change.
6. You Have God’s Power for Growth and Change.
What to Do Next!
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