Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Proof of Spiritual Growth

Over and over the Bible teaches us that the proof of our spiritual growth is in how we treat others. I John 4:7 says "...let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God, and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know Him better." That is from the Living Bible and it's a pretty powerful statement. Love comes from God and when we are loving and kind, it proves that we are getting to know God better. The next verse goes on to say that if we are not loving and kind, we don't know God at all. Wow! I know that there are times in my life when I am not so loving and kind. I want to be, but sometimes I allow my own emotions and feelings get in the way. If I am not careful I can become selfish and only focused on me. I know I did this a little bit today with my daughter Brylea and with my wife Amber. I was a little impatient with them because I was trying to study for Sunday's message and they were distracting me. Isn't that ironic, I was trying to do something that would help others to be more like God, but I allowed that to cause me to be less like him. We can all do better in this area of our lives. No one is perfect, but I want to be striving everyday to be more patient and kind toward others as I get to know God more. Do you stuggle with these areas sometimes? Leave a comment so that others will know they are not alone. Let's pray for each other to do better in these areas of life.

4 comments:

Pump Dude said...

Hey Padre! It's a daily battle with many of us. Whether it's our wife, kids, co-workers, boss, in-laws, etc we expect way too much of others but demand that they cut us slack in our own shortcomings. In our Lifegroup this week the discussion was on submission in the sense of ourselves, our time, our emotions, etc to others whether they deserve it or not. The purpose was to illustrate that we should do this out of respect/love/commitment to our Savior because He made the same sacrifices for them, but that attitude of submission entails patience (sometimes an EXTREMELY high amount), long suffering (emphasis on suffering), mercy, forgiveness and, most importantly, love (sometimes incredibly difficult depending on the person you're submitting to).
You're definitely not alone in this, and neither are the other individuals reading this blog. The important thing to strive for is, as you stated, the growth factor.
Rest assured that in the past 2 years I've had the privilege of knowing you I've been able to see your growth; in like manner, I'm sure you've been able to see my growth.....at least as it pertains to my waistline!

Rhettro said...

I think that this is a blog that everyone can benefit from. It's awesome that we have a pastor that can be so open about his own shortcomings. Our tongues do have the power to tear down and hurt people. The old saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me", is a load of bull. Words defanetly do hurt people. I have been guilty of diarrhea of the mouth, and it"s something that I am constantly working on. It helps to know that other people (especially my mentor) go through the same stuggle. Thank you for this blog.

Pump Dude said...

In addition to lifting up each other in prayer concerning spiritual growth, patience, etc, let's be sure to lift up Rhett in prayer with regards to his grammar skills.
Just kidding, Rhett - you know we love ya, Bro!

Rhettro said...

Can you explain what is wrong with my grammar. I don't see it.