The Growth Spectrum

I must confess . . . God is reminding me what's important.  Do you ever feel like you've had a "butt-whipping" from God.  I feel like that today.  It started yesterday afternoon talking with my coach from ARC (www.relatedchurches.com).  Then it continued last night reading Acts 14, then again this morning as I was reading Acts 14 again. So here it is . . .  we must remember that with all their is to do in planting a church (starting a new job, beginning a new life-stage, getting married, where-ever it is you may be in your spiritual journey) we can't forget what we are here to do.

For us all the things we have to do include:

- secure a location

- set-up the children's ministry

- recruit a worship team

- form a 'first touch' team

- develop the sermon series

- buy equipment

- get a trailer

- etc., etc., etc.

But, what we are here to do is . . . to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ! In order to do that we have to grow in our relationship with Christ - the fruit of your growth and my growth is that we will be used by God to lead other people to grow in their relationship with Christ.  God's plan for reaching people is through you and me . . . all of us are ministers.  So how 'bout it . . . where are you in the growth spectrum?  Are you growing? Is your life affecting someone else? Is your faith stronger today than yesterday? If for whatever reason you feel that your relationship with God is weaker today than it has been, then I encourage you to stop what you are doing, take time to focus on God, ask Him for renewed strength, and make Him number 1 again!  A couple of things are certain . . . God hasn't gone anywhere and He wants a close relationship with you!

Isaiah 40.31

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength . . . 

What do you do to protect your relationship with God?  What helps you grow stronger in Christ?  Where are you in the 'Growth Spectrum'?  I would like to hear from you.