Are you growing as a Christian? Is your capacity for love expanding? Are you becoming a sweeter person? Are you going on to maturity?
The Christian faith, and Methodism for that matter has always valued the journey of this life that takes us from a new believer to an experienced believer. Too often we confuse this with knowledge. Knowing and learning things is surely a part of Christian growth, but by itself it is not the answer.
Real Christan growth happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to reach into some new part of our heart. When we join with God in actively working to become better at being loving, joyful or peaceful.
I am all for entertainment, but what are you reading that is challenging you to become more like Christ? What are you reading that is inviting you to change your life paradigm? Life is too short to simply skate through. There are many Christians that have aged chronically but not spiritually. The spiritual life that is not becoming more loving............ is it really that spiritual?
Sorry that this post is a little heavy. Don't let it deliver you guilt. My point is that all of us can read something that will help us become more kind. Is there any reason not to?
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
2 comments:
Not too heavy at all, Jeff. Before I even read down to your mention that you hoped this subject was too heavy, I already was challenged by your questions in the very first sentence.
What better measure of growing as followers of Jesus, than when the Bible says "and the greatest of these is love." It's written all over the scriptures, and illustrated by Jesus examples.
"Christian" and unloving or mean just does not equate. Thank you for the time you spent to share this post.
Another way this blog inspired me, was that growth in love, even when you already are generally loving, is looking for new ways, small and large to show love, especially to those who are hard to love.
I think that, in addition to reading material that helps you grow in love, there's the idea of seeking out mentors who seem to really know how to show love.
For as long as each of us live on this earth, there will always be new ways to reach a little higher in learning how to love.
Thanks Jeff.
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