Growing in God

October 2                    Read:   Matthew 2      Luke 2 

"Growing In God"

Jesus grew...Luke 2:52   Growth, it sounds like something difficult...

No matter where you are right now in your walk with God, there is room for growth.  Sometimes you may feel the maturation process is slow and you aren't progressing at the pace some others appear to be. 

Never compare your growth with what appears to be growth or success in other believers.  You should only use the Word of God as the measuring stick for your life.  What may seem to maturity in other people could merely be an act. 

The real test of your growth is not how you look in comparison to others, but how you measure up to the Word of God.  There are some signs that reveal if we are growing or not...  Ask yourself these questions;

1.    Am I reacting to the situations of life in the same manner as before I learned the Word on the subject?  You may not measure up to what you expect to be one day, but you surely aren't the same person that you used to be...  That's Growth!

2.    Are others around me noticing that changes in my behavior are taking place, even if I haven't?  Growth can be so subtle that others recognize qualities in you that are directly attributable to your meditating and acting on the Word...  That's Growth!

3.    Am I able to receive the Word without being offended at things that used to offend me?  When we first hear the Word on a subject like tithing or living holy.  The reaction can be negative at first until you begin to grow in the Word of God.  Suddenly, the subjects that once Challenged you are now Changing you...  That's Growth!

The wonderful thing about growing in favor with God is that it leads to favor with People.  God causes others to show us favor when we are pleasing Him. 

Proverbs 16:7 says that when my ways are pleasing to the Lord, He will cause even my enemies to be at peace with me. 

Faith Confession:  Father I thank you that I have your favor on my life and people are consistently good to me because of it.  I increase daily through obedience to you and others are taking note, in Jesus' name, Amen.