“The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” ~ Camus1
Summer is almost here! With the school year nearly behind us and longer days to enjoy, families everywhere are embracing a break from the weekly routine. Summer isn’t just a time for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation; it’s also a unique season for productivity and personal growth, especially when we compare it to its stark counterpart, winter.
Eight Key Principles for Successful Growth
- Intentional Choice: Spiritual growth doesn’t happen accidentally; it starts with a choice. Like a child developing toward maturity, our faith journey requires a conscious decision to grow. The Bible encourages us to crave the pure spiritual milk so that by it, we might grow into salvation (1 Pet. 2:2). Growth offers us new strength and equips us with greater responsibilities.
- Step-by-Step Progress: Reflecting on the hymn “Each Step I Take,”2 we see our spiritual journey as a series of steps, each one drawing us closer to home—closer to Christ. Like young children learning to walk and then run, our spiritual steps move us from initial stumbles to full sprints. Over time, what seemed like a faint light in a chaotic world becomes a guiding flame, providing shelter and clarity.
- Personal Journey: Spiritual growth is deeply personal, yet it contributes to the community’s overall health, as Paul explains in his letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 4:15-16). Everyone must be willing to play their part, and growth can’t be compelled; it must be a desire that comes from within, fueled by discipline and commitment.
- Practical Engagement: James Anthony Froude wrote: “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.”3 This is a hands-on process that might involve stepping out of our comfort zones, such as young people assisting elders or participating in church activities that demonstrate faith in action. Whether preparing a talk, leading a study, or serving those in need, each act of service sculpts us into more effective disciples.
- Building Relationships: The writer of Hebrews urges us to consider ways to motivate one another towards love and good deeds, emphasizing the importance of not abandoning our communal gatherings (Heb. 10:24-25). As we plan our summer travels, why not include visits to different congregations? Such experiences can reinforce our connection to the broader Christian community and inspire us and those we meet.
- Holistic Approach: Addressing our weaknesses is a vital part of growth. Paul boasted of his weaknesses because, through them, Christ’s power rested on him (2 Cor. 12:9). We’re called to pursue a full and mature life, not settling for the minimum but striving to reach our full potential in Christ.
- Avoiding Plateaus: Growth is not always linear. We often face plateaus—periods when noticeable progress seems to stall. Here, the wisdom of Hebrews 2:1 is pertinent; we must pay close attention to our foundational teachings to avoid drifting away. Setting small, achievable goals can help maintain our spiritual momentum during these slower phases.
- Christ-Centered Growth: Ultimately, our growth must be centered on Jesus Christ. Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20-21 remind us that our true life is with Christ in God. We live this life by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself up for us. This foundational truth should guide every aspect of our growth.
~PW 🌮🛶
An earlier version was originally published in Truth Magazine. https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume57/2013_06_Jun_Truth_Magazine.pdf
phillip w. martin 