Growing
I turned seventeen recently, and I wanted to contemplate ways I want to grow in the upcoming year. I wanted to look at some Scriptures that I want to intentionally (try) to live out in my daily life. So, I will try to translate my early morning squiggles and jumbled chicken-scratch into something encouraging.
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. -James 1:19-20
I want to practice listening to listen—not to respond. I want to consider my words and tone with thoughtfulness of the other person. I want to practice being patient and eagerly offering grace.
APPLICATION: Listen without interrupting. Think about how the other person will react to what you say, how you say it, and where to say it to them. Let your first response be patience and grace.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. -Ephesians 4:29,32-5:1-2
I want to say only things that will build someone up (according to my knowledge of them) so that it is benefactory
Be kind and compassionate to everyone
Forgive like Christ—complete forgiveness and forgetfulness
Walk in Christ-like love. Love others to the point (and even beyond) of self-sacrifice for the kingdom of God
APPLICATION: Think through what you say. Be kind to the acquaintance as well as the person who knows you best. Have compassion for others. Offer forgiveness and kindness—without withholding any—to others as well as yourself (for if God has forgiven so much, then surely you can forgive also). Love others in a manner that reflects Christ.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
-Matthew 11:28
Don’t be so caught up worrying about the past and the future that you miss what God has planned for you today.
APPLICATION: Pray about anything and everything. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to ‘pray continually,’ and Philippians 4:6-7 offers another example of bringing your requests to God: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. -1 Peter 3:4
True beauty is found in the appearance of the soul not of the body.
APPLICATION: Learn to be gentle in your interactions with others. Quiet your mind so you can hear God’s voice and sit in His presence.
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. -1 Peter 3:15-16
I want to be willing and open to having faith conversations with unbelievers.
APPLICATION: Learn when it’s a good time to talk about faith and ask good questions. Be open and engaged. Pray for them before, during and after the conversation. Let the Holy Spirit supply your words and do not worry about what to say.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. -Colossians 3:1-2
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. -Philippians 4:8
Think of things that you would not be ashamed to say out loud. And think about eternal things that have lasting importance and will glorify Christ.
APPLICATION: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) Surrender your thoughts to God and do not dwell on things that would not please Him.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. -Proverbs 16:3
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. -James 1:5
God’s plans are far better than any of my own (Isaiah 55:8-9) and I want to surrender to Him. Trusting that He will make a way when there seems to be no way. and praying that He would open the doors He wants me to walk through and close the ones He doesn’t.
APPLICATION: Trusting God at all times, even when the story He’s writing for me has a chapter I would not have written. And trusting that He really is working all things out for my good: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
My Prayer
Holy Father,
Help me to continue to mature and grow my faith this year. As I read your Word. open my heart so that I may understand and live by it.
Fill me to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, so that I may make much of Christ. Lord, penetrate every aspect of my life. How I eat, dress, work, talk, think, and act. Help me to be a mirror reflecting Christ. And equip me to be an ambassador on a mission for your kingdom. Everyday.
Lord, I recognize that these past years I found some Scriptures I have been trying to live out. Lord, I pray that you might continue to grow me in those areas. But, oh Lord, you know my heart. You know my weaknesses and how quickly I fail. So, please continue to guide me in the way I should live. Let the Holy Spirit continue to convict me with You Word.
Lord, I pray that Your power, love, and light might be clearly seen through the cracks in my broken heart. Let it be obvious that I cannot do anything without You.
Let me never cease to be hungry for you. Let me love you all the days of my life. Worshipping You with an eager heart. Lord, take me to the hard places and difficult people. Open my eyes to the ways I can serve You. Give me discernment to know Your leading. Lord, I love You. Your ways are always good, even when they don’t feel like it. You are always with me, even when I feel alone. You are faithful at all times and You will make ashes beautiful again. In Jesus name, Amen
This is beautiful. I love your heart❤️
Loved this post! ❤️You had me reflecting upon myself too. Definitely things I want to work on as well!