All this month on the blog we’ve looked at setting goals and making plans for Intentional Spiritual Growth. Here’s the series wrap up.
In our series intro post, I explained that growth happens best when it’s fostered. And, “once we identify areas where we’d like to see growth, we can set big-picture goals and create specific objectives to reach them. Intentionality is key. When we give ourselves direction (centered on God’s Word), set mile markers, and work with concrete goals, it will only help us hit our mark. Creating actionable steps to follow will move us forward.”
I’m a true believer in setting goals and taking realistic baby steps (and sure— giants leaps if it’s possible) to reach them. Those baby steps are “actionable plans.” When we set out to grow and create an achievable roadmap to get us where we want to go, it’s likely we’ll see a productive result.
Growth will happen.
It’s probably evident from those last few paragraphs that I like goal setting and planning. Though I love to plan and dream and create systems and set the bar high (and I know God created me that way for His purpose), the Lord also reminds me of the importance of keeping things simple.
So here’s a simple (ha!) mini-post on that:
Keep It Simple
Yes, I have a tendency to be thorough and systematic. I love plans and following checklists (which means checklists need to be created, right?). While there is nothing wrong with this, I can sometimes overcomplicate things. Then? God brings people and situations into my life to remind me that the answer isn’t always a complicated one.
Keeping things simple reminds me that God is in control. When I weed through the fluff I tend to create, I get down to the things that matter most. When I dig down into the core of things, God brings to mind words like trust and rest and seek.
In regards to keeping things simple, one of my favorite reminders from God’s Word is this:
“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”– Psalm 131:1-2
Here are some questions I’ve used to help me evaluate things: Am I keeping things simple so that I can see, hear, and experience God’s work in my life? Or am I overcomplicating things and crowding out His voice? Am I occupying myself with… well, myself? Am I trusting Him and His abilities? Am I seeking His will above my own?
When I live a simple life of trust, I can grow better. God is so faithful to remind me often that He is abundantly worthy of all my trust! I am so in awe of Him.
Other Posts in Our Series
Jaime told us to Practice the Pause. She says, “When I think of growth – habits I want to build, changes I want to make – I think about action. What can I do? …Yet, it is during quiet moments of intentional rest that those changes take root. Meditation, silence, and rest.” Visit her post to learn more about these three aspects of Biblical “pause.”
Lisa motivated us to Give Outside the Church. Lisa asked, “What if you gave away more outside your church walls? Would you become poorer? Or richer than ever?” She then had us look at four things we can intentionally give away, with forethought, purposed in prayer, to those outside our church buildings or our homes.
Cheli reminded us to set goals for growth in Serving the Body of Christ. Cheli writes, “Serving the Body of Christ (no matter how big or small the task) is an outward expression of faith that can foster spiritual growth. As you serve the Body of Christ, you will grow in spiritual maturity, helping the entire body become more like Jesus.” She challenged us to find a need in the Body and fill it.
Our newest team writer, Jennifer, encouraged us to Praise God. She tells us, “Praise is as vital to our daily walk with God as prayer. As we follow Jesus with intention this year, how can we add more praise to our lives? …I’ve let myself become a bit more vocal and a bit more active in my praise.” She continues with the question, “What can you do to make worship a bigger part of your life?” and then goes on to give a few suggestions.
Patti inspired us to Grow in God’s Word. After all, what does intentional time in God’s Word look like? And how can understanding ourselves help us create a plan that we can actually follow? Patti says, “When you are intentional about spending time reading Scripture, you will come to know who God is better. You will also see yourself more clearly. You will find guidance for real life situations that face you today.”
We hope our series has both blessed and inspired you as you set plans and make goals for intentional spiritual growth. Let us know if the comments or over in our Facebook community what goals you’ve set for spiritual growth this year.
In Christ,
Ali
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