PATHWAYS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

I have just uploaded some photos of me in the shopping centre and with some new friends. One of my favourite pass times is relaxing at a shopping centre. I have written an article called "Pathways to Spiritual Growth" below. I pray that you will desire for greater spiritual growth after reading this article.

PATHWAYS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

I was asked to share on a topic called "Pathway to Spiritual Growth" in Melbourne, Australia. As I reflected back to my own spiritual growth in the past 21 years, I recall three important elements that helped me to grow in the Lord. God desires His children to grow in every way; emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

Three pathways to spiritual growth

Cultivate a strong personal relationship with God

“7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...” Phil 3:7-10

Apostle Paul had such a hunger for God after his conversion. He mentioned a few times in this passage of his desires to have intimacy with Christ through "Knowing Christ", "gaining Christ", being "found in Christ", and having "faith in Christ". There are so many ways that we can know more about Christ such as:

• Attending church
• Attending small group bible study
• Reading the Word of God
• Reading Christian books
• Personal devotion/prayer

Have a great desire to know and experience more of Christ each day.

Allow God to enlarge our vision

5 “He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Genesis 15:5

God wants to enlarge our dreams and visions in life. He wants us to live a life that goes beyond all boundaries and limits. We are to exchange our small and narrow vision for God’s enormous and eternal vision. God wants to do extraordinary things through us that require us to go beyond our comfort zones. Seek God today and ask Him for a greater vision for your life, family, business and ministry. God gave Abraham such a massive vision that it propelled him for the rest of his life.

God’s vision was for Abraham to become father of many nations and his name being known to the ends of the earth.

Find spiritual mentors/coaches

“1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Cor 11:1

Everyone needs a mentor/coach in life; even professional athletes need them. A coach helps develop our strengths and address our weaknesses. Likewise, we need spiritual mentors/coaches who can pass down their life experiences so we don’t have to repeat other people’s mistakes and failures. I thank God for the many good spiritual mentors/coaches in my life. They helped me to develop my character, life skills and ministry skills. I owe much to their investment into my life over the years. I spend much time with them over lunch, dinner, phone chats and email.

I have gained invaluable insight and lessons by my associations with my friends and mentors.

I pray that we will continue to grow in the Lord as we journey through life together.