Well, what have you?

That’s a question that only you can answer.

As believers in the Body of Christ we should constantly be learning and changing and growing.

Why? Because the adversary is always on the prowl looking to see who he can deceive, manipulate and control. In order to be aware you must know. In order to know you must grow.

Church on Sundays is not enough.

Looking at a service on television during the week is not enough.

The word grow(th) is defined as “to increase gradually in size, amount, etc.; become greater or larger; expand. The act or process, or manner of growing; development; gradual increase.”

If you sincerely desire to walk and live the life of Christ then you should expect a growth process.

A change from what you once were to what you are becoming.

A growth in the use of your spiritual authority that Christ gave us, you, when He arose from the grave and ascended into heaven.

A growth in your knowledge of the Word of God for yourself and not depending solely on Man (pastor, priest, minister, etc.) to give it to you.

Growth can come in different forms. You can grow in your worship of God; Grow in time spent in His presence; Grow in studying His word; Grow by regularly being in fellowship of His word (church services, etc.).

As you strive to grow it can become a challenge because life is always there whispering in your psyche. You don’t have enough time; You’re tired; You have too many things to do; You want to sleep in; You don’t like to read; You don’t understand the Bible, etc. We know the list can go on and on and on.

But in reality, if we are truly honest with ourselves, they are excuses. All excuses.

People find time for the things they truly want and care about.

God truly desires to have a closer relationship with you. He wants so much for us; all the promises He first wanted to give Adam and Eve, He wants to bestow upon us. The question is don’t you want it for yourselves?

SO HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS TO HELP YOU GROW

• Don’t like to read; have the time; or understand the King James Version? Then listen to the Bible via audio. If you have a smart phone (and who doesn’t these days) download one of the many Bible apps. Turn it on, plug in your headphones or even use the speaker on your phone/iPad and listen to scripture as you exercise, cook, working at your desk, or even as you are driving. There are many different versions Believers can choose to listen to that will help them understand the Word in today’s terminology.

• Talk to God anytime and anywhere. I remembered there was a time I use to think that if I had something to talk to God about I had to wait until I was praying – on my knees, to do so. Now I talk to Him anywhere and at anytime.

• Try to recite scripture throughout the day as a game.

• Have a favorite Bible teacher or preacher? Then get their CDs or DVDs and listen to them. Don’t have a favorite one but wanting to learn more about a subject? Look for works on the subject you desire to learn about. Ask God to give you discernment and wisdom in what materials to read or listen to.

• Try making it to Sunday school on Sundays and Bible study during the week. Fellowship with others is always wonderful.

• Start small; do a couple minutes a day. Get yourself into the habit of actually growing. Eventually from mere minutes it will turn into hours and then days.

There are many ways you can grow in Christ. The question is do you really want to?

There are many ways you can grow in Christ. The question is do you really want to?

Take the time to determine where you need the growth and then make a decision to actually do it.

Take time to grow in Christ.

Be Blessed!

PS: See, you’re already growing…you took time to read this article!

Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana