Formula for Personal Growth

“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:21-25

There are those whose imbalance in even good and necessary things lead to illness or tragedy. Over-eating or under-eating or exercising can cause all sorts of difficulties and result in various consequences. One who concentrates on a hobby or pursues a personal interest at the expense of family or friends soon finds themselves at a loss. So too a Christian, who focuses on developing one aspect of their life to the exclusion of another, may find their relationship with Christ to be diminished.

Beware of the good and necessary elements of life. Often they are the easiest to “over indulge” in. For instance, one who expends all energies on learning scriptural truths - yet does not seek for practical ways to apply that truth to their everyday life - may soon find that they are actually being counterproductive. So gaining truth alone is not a guarantee against spiritual barrenness.

That coin has another side. If you put all of your energies into practicing biblical principles but do not work at developing an intimate relationship with Christ Himself, you may quickly find an emptiness in your life, a diminished zeal, or a sensitivity to sin which has been quenched. Balance: be and do the will of the Father.

Instruction plus involvement equals spiritual growth.