Christian Growth

Foundation of Strength 

Be strong and courageous (Joshua1:9)

 1. Identity: God created man and woman in His image (Gen 1:26) as a spirit, with a soul, in a body (1 Thess 5:23), with a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Who has no rule over their spirit is like a city broken down, without walls (Pro 25:28). We have power in our heart (Pro 4:23 and 1 Tim 6:10), our thoughts (Pro 21:5, Php 4:8 and 2 Cor 10:5) our words (Pro 18:21), and our actions (Jn 3:16, Mt 22:37-39, Mk 16:15, Pro 10:4 and 6:16-18). He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 Jn 4:4). Have faith in God ( Mk 11:22). 

2. Mind: Let the wise hear and increase in learning (Pro 1:5). Manage your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). Don’t be conformed to the world but be transformed by renewing your mind (Ro 12:2). Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, if there is any virtue and praise, think on these things (Php 4:8). Isaac went out to meditate in the field (Gen 24:63). Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19). Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding (Pro 14:29). Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Ro 12:15). Words and faith can move mountains with prayer and forgiveness (Mk 11:23-26). Be careful with pleasures (Pro 21:17). 

3. Body: Our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 6:19). Bodily training is valuable (1 Tim 4:8). A joyful heart is good medicine (Pro 17:22). Keep the body under control (1 Cor 9:27). Lots of sweets are not good (Pro 25:27). Be careful with alcohol (Pro 20:1, Isa 5:11, Eph 5:18). 

Art of Purpose 

We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for a purpose that God has prepared before hand (Eph2:10)

4. Faith: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hb 11:1). God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16). When we confess with our mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Ro 10:9). By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many are made righteous (Ro 5:19). If we have faith of a seed we can move mountains (Mt 17:20). Ask in faith not doubting (James 1:6). Sometimes people ask and don’t receive because they ask for their desires of the flesh (James 4:3), or God has His own reason (Isa 55:9). Bad things happen to good people because of other people’s free will and desires of the flesh, but God can protect us (Gen 37:20-22), show our faith (Job, 2 Cor 12:7-9), and turn it into some future good (Gen 45:5-7, Ro 8:28), or bring us home (Hb 11:16, 2 Cor 5:1). Cast your cares on God and be careful because we have a spiritual adversary (1 Pt 5:7-8). If God called you to something, He is faithful to help you with it (1 Th 5:24).

5. Relations: Love God and love others (Mt 22:37-40). There are many things God hates (Pro 6:16). Whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them (Mt 7:12) (Golden Rule of virtues). Though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them (1Cor 9:19-22) (Silver Rule of circumstances). Know how to answer each person (Col4:6). Build others up (Ro15:2 and 1 Thess 5:11). The tongue may be small but it has great power (Pro 18:21 and James 3:4-5). Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth (Ps 141:3). Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). Don’t be deceived, evil conversations corrupt good manners (1 Cor 15:33). Do nothing from rivalry or deceit, but be humble and esteem others better than yourself (Php 2:3-4). There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Pro 18:24). Families will have challenges (Lk 12:52-53). A child left to themselves brings their mother to shame (Pro 29:15). Honor your father and mother (Ex 20:12). As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Jos 24:15). Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox where hatred is (Pro 15:17). Do not correct one who ridicules or he will hate you. Correct a wise man and he will love you (Pro 9:8). Walk with the wise to becomes wise, the companion of fools will suffer (Pro 13:20). Iron sharpens iron, and we should encourage our friends (Pro 27:17). Beware of dissension, blessed are the peacemakers (Mt 5:9). Walk worthy of your vocation, with humility, commitment, and love, keeping unity of the Spirit and peace (Eph 4:1-3). 

6. Strengths (Gifts): There are many members in one body, but they don’t have the same role (Ro 12:4). As every person received a gift, use it to minister to each other as a good steward of God’s grace (1 Ptr 4:10). The gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Ro 11:29). Let people do as God has called them (1 Cor 7:17). Whatever you do, do it well, as for the Lord, not for others (Col 3:23). Our greatest strengths are God (Ps 121, Mk 10:27, 11:22, Jn 3:16), the work of Jesus (Jn 8:36, 10:10), the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26, 1 Jn 4:4), and angels (Ps 91:11, Mt 1:20). Walk in the Spirit and you will not be so tempted by the flesh, because the desires of the flesh are against the desires of the Spirit (Gal 5:16-17).  

Science of Momentum 

God’s word is good for doctrine, correction, and training in righteousness, to help us with our work (2 Tim 3:17-18)

7. Goals: The thoughts of the diligent lead to plenty (Pro 21:5). Where no counsel is, people fall (Pro 11:14). Sit down to count the cost of your goals before you start the work (Lk 14:28). The ways of people are pure in their own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Pro 16:2-3). Don’t believe every spirit, but test them (1 Jn 4:1). Don’t let the love money set your goals (1 Tim 6:10). Be content (Php 4:11), better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice (Pro 16:8). Forget what is behind and look forward, and press on to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Php 3:13-14). Seek first the kingdom of God (Mt 6:33).

8. Productivity: Walk carefully, not as fools, but as the wise, redeeming your time (Eph 5:15-16). A slack hand makes one poor, but the hand of the diligent brings in much money (Pro 10:4). In all work there is profit, but just talk tends to poverty (Pro 14:23). Even if it is lawful or allowed, it doesn’t mean that it is helpful. I will not be enslaved by anything (1 Cor 10:13). Hear God’s word, hold it firm, in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience (Lk 8:15). Who is diligent in their business will stand before royalty, they shall not stand before mean people (Pro 22:29). 

9. Investments: In yourself (Pro 1:5, 8:10-12, Mt 6:19-21, Lk 8:15). In relationships (1 Cor 1:10, 1 Pt 3:8). It’s better to have integrity and be poor, than to be unfair and rich (Pro 28:6). The love of money is the root of many evils (1 Tim 6:10). Plan your investing, and gain money fairly (Pro 21:5- 6). Money is a result of diligence (Pro 10:4). Manage your money and beware of borrowing (Pro 22:7). Invest wisely, not fearfully (Mt 25:20-27). 

10. Commitment: Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58). Whatever you do, do it heartily as for the Lord and not for people (Col 3:23). Do not grow weary in well doing, we will reap in due season, if we do not give up (Gal 6:9). Welcome trials for they produce perseverance (James 1:2-3). Rejoice in challenges, knowing they build endurance, character, and hope, which does not put us to shame because God’s love is in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Ro 5:3-5). Help bear other’s burdens (Gal 6:2). Desires of the Spirit include love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility, and temperance (Gal 5:22). Stay away from all appearance of evil (1 Th 5:22). 

Are you interested in learning more? Get my book Opportunity Truth. It seems to me that Christian growth is a never ending process that is meant to be a good thing. The creator of the universe, who created us, wants relationship and fellowship with us, and wants us to walk with Him daily. I believe the Bible and prayer are the primary ways we do this. I confess that I used to feel like this was a chore that I should do. I have come to feel this is an honor. 

It seems to me that being a business owner, whether self-employed, or an employer, is a great way to glorify God. I have good business pages to help business owners with information and links to research, planning, and digital marketing at https://AnewTrek.com.

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