The Process of Growth

Every person is on a personal spiritual journey. We were created by God with an inner need to be connected with the one who created us in a personal relationship. It doesn't matter rather we are religious or not, the need to be connected is a strong force in our lives. People often say things that reveal this very fact. Comments like, "I feel like something is missing in my life, but I don't know what it is." Or, "Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Is there more to life than just eat, sleep, work, and die?" Here's a common one, "Is there life after death?" These comments and others like them reveal that even to the unchurched, non-religious person, we have an inner desire to connect with the one who made us and has purpose for our lives.

To the person who has made the connection, has had truth revealed that there is a personal relationship possible with the one who created us, there is this inner desire to learn more about the relationship they are experiencing. There is a desire to read, talk with, and hang out with others who have also discovered the joy of this experience. There is something special about hearing one another's stories of how they discovered the relationship, or how they are growing in the knowledge and friendship with this personal God. It is like a hunger for truth about God, and an intellectual appetite for more.

This growth of knowledge often results in a changed life. More happiness, more peace, or more clarity about right and wrong choices are just some of the benefits we hear about. Some people tell about being set free from addictions. Others tell about healing over physical problems or relationships & conflicts.

How does this progression of growth occur? What starts the process for individuals? Are there books that help a person discover these things? Are there experts that people can go to for counsel? What are the consequences for never learning the answers to these questions?

Shouldn't one of the purposes of the local church be to help individuals who are on their own personal journey discover their personal next step? If Jesus said, "they will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another," isn't one expression of loving one another sharing the good news with them about how to discover truth in this journey? Wouldn't it make sense to invite them to walk the journey with you to see how you experience this growth in personal relationship? Wouldn't that be an expression of love?

It seems to me that many local churches in America are missing this opportunity for growth. People are spiritual beings. They each are on a personal journey of growth. Local churches who look for people on the journey, and develop strategies and programs to assist them in their journey will never have to close their doors because they become partners with a God who is doing the same thing - working in peoples lives, encouraging their growth in this personal relationship. Imagine your church partnering with God helping people make these connections of growth? What a buzz that would create!