In one verse in the Book of Acts we are shown the steps it takes to grow in Christ.
“And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” Acts 17:11 NLT (emphasis mine)
1. open-minded
2. listen eagerly
3. search the Scriptures
The problem comes when we only apply one or two of these steps. That’s when we find ourselves confused. That’s when we find ourselves lost. That’s when we find ourselves venturing down roads that lead straight into a brick wall.
Growth requires all three steps.
Linking up with Jen today over at Finding Heaven.
This is great, Eileen. Simple, but great. Yes, we need all three to really be able to grow. I know because God is doing some major cultivation on my life as we speak. Thanks for this word today! Bless you 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Sharita!
Amen and amen. I love this! Simple, yet powerful!
Simple and yet easy for me to get sidetracked and lose my focus.
I do believe you are right!
Open heart, open ears, in the Word!
I would also say that learning to walk in the love of God towards others is a key to growth. This means learning to conform emotionally and spiritually to 1 cor.13:4-8
Excellent point! Since He is Love then if our hearts and ears are open and receptive and if we are going to His Word for direction then I think the fruit will be the love of God towards others. The goal is to become more Christ-like.
Love it, so simple and so true. Thanks for the tweet today btw, I always appreciate your encouragement.
You’re welcome. I always enjoy stopping by your blog, Shelly!
Dang, that will preach! Great stuff. I love this!
Thanks, Rob.
LOVE this! We need all of these steps. We can’t just go at it halfway.
Very true, Jenifer.
Way to pull out some application, Eileen. Love the example of the Bereans.
Thanks, Stephen. I’ve been love this latest trip through Acts.
So very true and without one it doesn’t work does it.