Proverbs 2:1-5

Read Proverbs 2:1-5.

Desire, discipline, diligence.  Notice how intentional the searcher is asked to be.  Growing spiritually is never accidental.

Three Insights About Spiritual Maturity (Jn. 14:9)

1. Longevity ≠ intimacy.
2. Proximity ≠ revelation.
3. Access ≠ understanding.

Measuring Spiritual Growth

Roaring Run Trail, Apollo, PA

One tree grew up but the other grew out.  One went toward the sky while the other went toward the water.  Both trees grew, but only one grew correctly. 

A tree is supposed to have downward roots and upward fruit (foliage).  The purpose of spiritual growth is not to make us extraordinary or weird.  It is to make us become what we're supposed to be in Christ. 

Just because you're extending yourself doesn't mean you're growing correctly.  The measurement of spiritual growth is not in externals (involvement, church attendance) alone.  Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is a better  measurement.

Grow up or reach out -- which is easier?  Why?

Notes from EntreLeadership Podcast (October 9, 2012)

In the most recent episode of EntreLeadership Podcast, Chris LoCurto interviewed John C. Maxwell on the subject of personal growth.  Here are some nuggets from Maxwell.

• If you're at the head of the class, your'e in the wrong class.  Be where you can learn something.
• You will never continually grow accidentally.
• Each day you are either repairing yesterday or preparing tomorrow.  Invest more time preparing.
• A rubber band adds value only when it is stretched.  Comfort and growth aren't compatible.
• Leave your comfort zone but not your strength zone.
• Be around people who are brighter, faster, and more experienced than you.
• When you stop growing, doors stop opening.  Opportunity is proportional to growth.

The Vessels Were Carried Away (Dan. 1:2)

Read Dan. 1:1-2.

A "vessel" was something that assisted in worshiping the true God.  Solomon, king of Israel, made vessels of gold for the temple (1 Kin. 7:50-51).  Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carried away these vessels.

What are some of the "vessels" we've allowed worldly culture to carry away? 

• Prayer.  Put prayer meetings on your calendar, but don't attend.  If you do go to prayer meeting or to the altar, stay long enough to appear spiritual but not long enough to see change in your life.  Whatever you do, don't pray out loud or get "emotional."
• Fasting.  This is a good idea but always find an excuse not to participate.
• Witnessing.  Don't tell someone else what's good for him.  It works for you and that's fine, but it's not your place to push your belief on anyone else.
• Services other than Sunday morning.  One service per week is enough.  Twenty-first-century Christians know you go to church Sunday morning and then take the rest of the day to do what you want.  Use the words "family" or "work" consistently and everyone buys your excuses.  Spiritualize your absences with the phrase "God understands my situation."
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Don't say it's unbiblical, just don't pursue it with the aggression you once did.  If you've had this glorious experience, don't get too excited.  Keep it quiet.  Continue to entertain the thought it might not be necessary for today.  Whatever you do, pastor, don't mention this unless it's Pentecost Sunday.  (I won't be here that day, so you're okay.)

Without these things worship is weakened, testimony is compromised and impact is minimized.  Resist the pull by the masses.  Think differently on these 5 things.  Think biblically.

Spiritual Growth Plan for 2010

Sunday I'm preaching on spiritual growth. Here are a few pre-lights (previewed highlights).

• Growth is intentional, not accidental. Good assumptions and high hopes alone won't create growth.
• Growth is incremental, not lump sum. There is no escaping the process. One small change leads to another. You'll never finish one mile of you don't take step one. After step one comes...yeah, step two. Will you take it?

You've heard about The Ten Commandments. Sunday, we'll be looking at The Ten Commitments, the ten things we want every Christ-follower at L.A.G. to pursue.

I'll hand out a worksheet and an index card. On the worksheet, write down your goals for each of the commitments. Those goals will then require action steps. On the index card, write down anything you need from me -- anything I can do to help you with the action steps.

Example: Perhaps one of your goals is to read through the Bible in a year. If so, then you will need a Bible reading plan to keep you on track. If you need a reading plan, write that on the index card.