"GET Growing"

Continuing on the "Get Moving" theme, let's take a deeper look at a few things.

The first question one must ask themselves is what should I really "get moving" on? Well, only God can fully answer that question. However, there are some things that you're probably already aware of that you should get moving on. In this installment we consider how we should get moving on our internal growth and character. From a biblical perspective we are talking about being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). In other words, our CHRIST-LIKENESS! How much are you displaying Christ in your thoughts, attitudes, actions, and words?

This year we should aim to really grow internally - a full year of 'fruit of the Spirit' growth, allowing the Holy Spirit to mature us on the inside (Galatians 5:22-23). In nature, all growth is intentional. The same is true for us. No believer can purposely grow without yielding to the Holy Spirit, reviewing scripture, and devoting thought time (e.g. meditation) to improvement (Psalms 1:2, 119:11). In other words, you have to improve you on purpose.

Think about it. All of us have heard sermons or received private instructions from God about things in our character that we need to move on. In some cases we have moved, but maybe not to the extent that we should. In our flesh, all of us sometimes drag our feet on character changes that seem uncomfortable. Nevertheless, being more like Christ on purpose must be given top rank this year. Justly, the receiving of some blessings is based on your maturity (Jeremiah 7:5-7, Isaiah 1:19).

Besides, a lost world awaits the light of your growth and God is the rewarder of the same.

Additional Scripture Review
Galatians 5 (KJV)
   22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
   23 - Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

I Corinthians 13 (NIV)
   4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
   5 - It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
   6 - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
   7 - It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
   8 - Love never fails

I John 2 (KJV)
   6 - He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Ephesians 4 (NLT)
   20 - But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.
   21 - Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,
   22 - throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
   23 - Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
   24 - Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.