Growth Through Change | Northstar Church

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!” – 1 Corinthians 15:51.

Transition is a topic that is hard to discuss. While there is plenty to say about it, most of us really don’t like change, and with transition comes change. In order to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you have to grow. You may be comfortable where you are, but to spiritually grow some change is most likely inevitable. Each one of us is a work in progress. We shouldn’t be satisfied with our current level.

It is God’s will that we mature as Christians, becoming more and more like Jesus. Growth is not automatic. It takes dedicated effort and every Christian needs to make a conscious decision to grow spiritually. Nothing shapes my life as much as the commitments I make, so I need to wholeheartedly commit to spiritual growth. Part of this decision is realizing that I will need to make changes in my life. I may need to act differently in certain ways or get rid of some old routines or habits. When I do my part God will do His part and will work in me.

To really change my life I need to realize that my will alone is not enough. I can’t force myself to change. I need God’s help to do this. The first step is for me to begin to change the way I think because the way I think determines the way I act. I need to think maturely, focusing on others more than myself.

As John Maxwell observed, “Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” The Bible contains numerous accounts of individuals who made hard choices during their journey of following God and as a result, enjoyed His rich blessings. Every choice we make either moves us closer to God or moves us further away from Him and His mission for our lives. No one should ever be able to say, “I’ve made it so I no longer need to grow spiritually.”

There have been a lot of transitions, change if you will, in our lives the last couple years. Without question, transitions are unsettling. The process of changing us is not easy. God wants to transform us on the inside, to help us become more like Jesus in our attitudes, our beliefs, and our love for others. It’s about a relationship, not rules. The more we grow in our love and relationship with Jesus, and the closer we get to Him, the more He will begin to change us from the inside out and we will grow spiritually.

The Christian life is fundamentally a changed life. And it is never too late or too early to make changes. Regardless of what season of life you are in or how long you have been a Christian, you can change. Jesus equipped you to experience the abundant life of glorifying God in all you do. It is never too late to grow spiritually.

Discussion Questions:

What changes would you like to make in your life? What are the obstacles to making those changes?
What changes would you make this week to grow spiritually?