As a parent I have the privilege of helping my kids grow and learn. I aided both of them in learning to walk and watched as they took that skill and discovered how to run. They continued to grow and develop, learning the limits of their bodies at different stages of development and then smashing those limitations.
Now as teenagers, they are bumping up against different challenges that feel limiting, intimidating. They know more about what it means to fail and have learned to fear. My job as their parent has not changed. I still help them discover their capabilities, even when they don’t see it in themselves.
This type of personal growth is not unique to kids or teens.
As adults, no matter how old we are, personal growth is still important. We might not have a parent right next to us challenging us and encouraging us to try new things, but we have a Heavenly Father who is doing just that.
God made each of us with a unique path and a purpose (Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 46:10-11, Philippians 1:6).
Some situations may come to an end – a job, a volunteer position, a leadership role, or a mission – but that does not mean God no longer has a purpose for us. Instead, I believe it is the very opposite. The longer we live, the more we know, and the more we have to offer. I have found that just like a child needs to learn to walk before she can run, God builds on our experiences to bring us farther into His purpose.
In order to keep moving forward in God’s plan, we have to be willing to learn new skills and lessons.
Personal growth is not really an option. It is said in the business world that if a company is not growing, it is dying. It is easy to transpose this concept to our spiritual lives; if we are not actively pursuing God we are falling away from Him. There is no standing still; we are either moving forward or backward. But what about our personal lives? Does this concept carry over there as well? I think it does.
We are never too young or too old to explore the unknown, learn new skills, and grow in knowledge.
In fact, God calls us to keep growing. Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding.” This verse calls us to be in a continuous state of learning and not just about spiritual things. Reading about history helps us have a better understanding of today. Studying ancient culture sheds light on Scripture. Learning about technology creates opportunities to connect with others and understand more of the world around us. Reading books by contemporary authors that we both agree and disagree with allows us to be educated on current social issues so we can speak with others about them with authority. Strengthening communication skills, learning a new language, or picking up a new hobby can open doors to what God has designed for us.
“Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:2-5)
Even though personal growth can feel intimidating or overwhelming at times, if we stick with it, God will show up. He will help us get there.
Even more than that, He will use what we learn to accomplish His plans and purposes in our lives.
What are you willing to learn or try in order to cultivate personal growth in your life?
Our growth is a key part of Gods plan for us. As we grow in life skills as well as our spiritual lives he desires to use us. And a lot of people think they can’t be used until they arrived at the spot of “I know enough”. But that is a lie to keep us from engaging. God wants to use us in every phase of life!
Yes! That’s a great point. We don’t have to wait to be used by God until we are an expert. We can be brand new and never even make it very far skill wise and still be used by Him.