Spiritual Growth, From Mom

How do I know when and if I am growing spiritually?  Compare:  our wrong desires versus the fruit of the Spirit.

WRONG DESIRES (from Satan):  Evil, destruction, easy to ignite, difficult to stifle, self-centered, oppressive and possessive, sinful, deadly.

SPIRITUAL DESIRES (from God):  Good, productive, difficult to ignite, easy to stifle, self-giving, liberating and nurturing, holy, abundant life.  (Mom took this from the Life Application Study Bible)

Lord, mu prayer is to be in Your will, and to complete Your plan for me on this earth.  

Review these questions often:

Do I spend time reading God's Word?

Do I spend time talking with God each day?

Do I look forward to fellowshipping with God?

What "fruit of the Spirit" is apparent in my life?

Do I talk about Jesus with people who do not know Him?

How am I using my spiritual gift or gifts?

Do I have a generous and giving spirit?

How much better do I know God today than I did a year ago?

Luke 2:52  Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Pray and seek continually to be growing in wisdom.  Ask for wisdom, as we need guidance and direction and to know how to apply God's way and will.  

From me.  

As we seek God, following the Scriptures our soul, our lives will be changed and display His likeness.  But it takes work,  it takes dying to self and selfishness on a daily basis.  But God promises that we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.  

Lord, let us examine ourselves...lead us into growth, let our lives reflect Your love and Your glory.  We struggle to lay down our own ways, our own desires, our emotions lead us astray, the world entices us.  Help us to be renewed each day by spending time with You and growing more and more as we do.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Write down these question and go through them every so often....check where you're at on the growth chart.  And remember...it's progress not perfection.