It's easy to rant about what limits our growth. Instead of the negative approach today, let me take the positive.
I have been dwelling a lot on Colossians 3 (which you should encourage since I've been preaching from it!). This chapter has much to say about our growth.
For today, three encouragements for Christian growth.
1. Be vertical.
Think vertically. Think upward. Your growth in Christ will have a much better chance of success the more you consume yourself with thoughts of things above.
You can approach the local church, its services, and its programs this way. You can also approach your downtime this way too. Your private time, your entertainment: every thought can be subjected to God's ways.
We will grow when we think in heavenly ways.
2. Get or stay committed.
Colossians 3 encourages us to get committed or stay committed. I don't know how any of the "put on" statements happens without dogged determination and intentional decision making. Of course they cannot happen without the grace of God, which we must focus on above all.
Committment to others and to godly ways WILL not happen by itself. Our default position is to glorify ourselves. We want to encourage maturity, and the type of growth described in this passage doesn't allow us play games or show apathy toward the things of God.
3. Don't trust yourself.
Look through this chapter and count how many times "Christ", "The Lord", or "God" are mentioned. And, this chapter is practical! It shows us so much about overcoming our sins and changing our ways. And consistently, with every godly value, we are directed to seek the Lord.
That should remind us that our growth isn't ultimately about us. It's about Jesus - we want to see Him glorified, and we must trust that He will help us focus on Him.
All the time.
In all ways.
Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin