Equipped For Growth (1)
Wednesday January 29, 2014
Do we want to grow? The truth is, as long as we are breathing, we should be growing. In a healthy environment, seeds can germinate, sprout, and grow into a wonderful harvest. It is the same for us if we are living in a place that is healthy and we are fed spiritually and physically. If we are cut off from a life giving source then, like a plant, we will rot and grow mold because we are no longer in a life giving situation. The place to start equipping ourselves for healthy growth is in our thoughts and the attitudes of our heart.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 NIV We need to determine in our minds that we will put off our old self and our former way of life. By a conscious choice of our will we need to abandon and be healed from those things which keep us in bondage to our addiction.
Many individuals, for example, struggle with giving up anger. As long as we hang onto anger in any form it will produce rot and decay. With God’s help, we can receive healing for woundedness, and forgiveness to share with those who caused the pain.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31 - 32 NIV Along with various kinds of anger, we need to give up those co-dependent relationships which support a physical or emotional need or longing. We need to surrender our will to God and seek His help to put on our new self. We need to determine that we will walk in God’s way, doing those things which will help us grow in righteousness and holiness. We need to get to know our Heavenly Father so that we will trust Him. He is dependable to help us in every situation we face as we grow.
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (Psalm 55:22 NLT)
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