Rick Warren's Blog, page 565

You Can���t Grow Spiritually in Isolation

Some of us hesitate to commit ourselves to developing an intentional plan of growth that requires accountability or relationship with others because we believe spiritual growth is a personal and private matter. We choose to believe each person develops in his or her own way at his or her own rate.

Spiritual Growth Must Be Intentional

Growth in the human soul requires a commitment to grow. A person must want to grow, decide to grow, and make an effort to grow.

Spiritual Growth Requires a Plan

Millions of Christians have grown older without ever growing up; they act as though spiritual growth is automatic. They may have a plan to save for retirement. They may have a plan for sending their kids to college. But they don���t have a strategy for enriching their souls. They leave the single most important facet of human existence to chance!

Loving Well Requires You to Be Spiritually Fit

You cannot love people the way God loves you without God���s power in your life, because human love runs out.

You Can���t Love Well When You���re Exhausted

Have you ever felt like you don���t have any more love to give?

Love is exhausting. It���s work to really love. Most people don���t understand that their physical condition has a strong impact on their relationships and ability to love.

To Love Well, Get Emotionally Recharged

When your emotional tank is empty, you���re unable to keep on loving people. You just give up! You are overwhelmed and feel inadequate. You tend to get angry with the ones you love the most. You try to avoid people, and you see them as problems. You dream of getting away. David had this problem. He said, ���If only I had wings like a dove ��� I would fly away and find rest��� (Psalm 55:6 GW).

Becoming Like Jesus Is a Slow Process

Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth. Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.

Spiritual Maturity Is Not a Solitary Pursuit

As I mentioned yesterday, your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says, ���Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness��� (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).

How to Cooperate with the Holy Spirit

Throughout the Bible we see an important truth illustrated over and over: The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith.

When Joshua was faced with an impassible barrier, the floodwaters of the Jordan River receded only after the leaders stepped into the rushing current in obedience and faith. Obedience unlocks God���s power.

God���s Spirit Is Working in You

It is the Holy Spirit���s job to produce Christlike character in you.

The Bible says, ���The Lord ... makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image��� (2 Corinthians 3:18b NLT, second edition). This process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.