In Touch - February 12, 2006
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- 2006 Feb 12
In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Sunday February 12, 2006
Formula for Personal Growth
God was gracious enough to provide us a sure formula for personal spiritual growth: Instruction plus involvement equals spiritual growth.
James tells us that the first step is to be an effective, involved listener of the Word. If we just read the Bible or listen to a sermon and do not concentrate on the material, or if we allow ourselves to be distracted, then we are not absorbing the instruction God intends for us. There are two kinds of listeners, one who is careless and one who is intent and attentive.
However, instruction alone does not grow the Christian. Unfortunately, many believers mistakenly assume that more factual knowledge of the Bible equals more intimate knowledge of God and His ways.
The only way to grow spiritually is to make the truth you learn your very own, to grasp it and apply it to your life. You are to become a doer of the Word.
Jesus involved Himself in the lives of people, from the "elite" to the most despised and rejected sinners. We are to use Him as our model as we love others (the Great Commandment), witness to others (the Great Commission), and serve others (the Great Commitment).
All believers have the life of Christ living within them through the Holy Spirit. And remember, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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