Intentional growth

A believer's spiritual growth must be intentional, it won’t happen automatically, or even stay in stasis. This first lesson: “Growth is intentional” from 2 Peter 1:1-11 teaches us to take responsibility for our own spiritual growth. Are you one to make excuses? Or do you like to blame others? Taking responsibility requires that we do neither of these.

One time when I wanted to coast for a while an old coach said to me, “You’re ether growing or dying!” He was right. Jesus said, “Whoever has will be given more, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” Believers are given understanding of the gospel, but they must make every effort to grow spiritually. Do you take responsibility for your spiritual growth or do you make excuses?

The question I have is this: why are we apathetic about growing in spiritual maturity? Do we not understand the benefit? Are we satisfied only with salvation and ignorant of a great inheritance? Are we conditioned to take only what comes easy and discard that which requires effort? Why do we spoil by inaction a better life?

I’m just starting to study this lesson, and praying that God will teach me what needs to said this Sunday. I hope you are excited about studying 2 Peter, too!