Grow Core Four
I love to garden! There is something in me that deeply enjoys watching life grow. What a delight it is to see that little rose bush produce beautiful flowers, or that fledgling fruit tree bear its produce. Of course, growth doesn’t happen overnight, but takes time. It requires tending and time for growth to occur. It’s not much of a stretch to apply that to our understanding of spiritual growth. It too requires tending and time. But what at even greater joy it is to see spiritual growth in my life and the lives of my brothers and sisters! Of course, we need to make sure we know just what spiritual growth looks like in our lives. It’s not measured by the number of church events you attend, how busy you are, or how nice and tidy your life looks from the outside. As I begin, in the power of the Spirit, to tend to your spiritual growth as the new Grow Pastor here at Crossroads, I want you to know the way I think about real spiritual growth. I call these the GROW Core Four … and they are what this new Blog resource will focus on each week. So that, over time, we see God produce beautiful spiritual fruit in our lives.
1. Loving Jesus
I believe that all of Christianity is about Christ and the good news of His redeeming work on the cross. As we come to understand the great gift of salvation it should produce in us an ever-growing love for Jesus as our King, Savior, and Master. We must never stop discovering the riches of God’s grace in the Gospel. This is what will keep our love alive and prevent dull, lifeless religion. Friends, there is nothing more important than this, nothing more central than this, and no measurement more exacting to our spiritual growth than being in love with Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus said so!
2. Walking Prayerfully
I believe a disciple is one who abides in Christ. A child of God does not do good deeds to earn God’s favor or go through the motions of spiritual activities to impress others. Even external behavior is not what marks a true believer, but rather a heart devoted to worshipping God and walking with Him. The secret life of a Christian will be cultivated by time in the Scriptures and talking to God in prayer. This is what builds a faith to pursue obedience in all of life.
3. Thinking Biblically
I believe the Word of God is both authoritative and sufficient for navigating all of life in any culture across every generation. Knowing that right living is produced by right thinking, being a life-long learner of the Word of God is central to spiritual growth. With an ever-increasing grasp on the Bible, every Christ-follower is then able to establish and shape a worldview that is distinctly Biblical. This is what allows Christians to discern error, speak truth into culture, and live well.
4. Serving Others
I believe God gives gifts to all of His children. It is the awesome privilege of every Christian to use their gifts to serve others in the building of the Kingdom of God. As disciples of the King, we are never the end-user, but have been entrusted with truth and talents to give away to others. It is as the many gifts in the church are actively and passionately used, that lives are changed and communities are healed. This is what keeps the church from becoming a comfortable country club and advances the glorious love of Christ in the world.
Each week, one of the Crossroads Grow Ministry leaders will provide instruction and encouragement to tend your soul in this awesome journey of spiritual growth. May the Spirit of God do above and beyond what we could ask or imagine.
Pastor Mark Spansel