Growing With God

Growing With God
Author: Roger Sealey, Care Director
Running the Race - Part 3

For the last few years, as my wife will attest, I have attempted to grow a vegetable garden. I’ve tried sewing seeds in raised beds and planting them just in the soil. I’ve tried multiple locations in the yard and planted them in different months. When they sprout, I enjoy watching the plants grow and look forward to eventually harvesting them. Yet, I am still a novice gardener, learning from, as Pastor Josh would call it, “The YouTube” books and anywhere I can glean good information. I check on the plants daily, water them, and occasionally feed them. I try to protect them from rabbits, deer, and sometimes our dog, Charlie Brown—all of this I do with the hope of a great harvest that still hasn’t happened. But I try and learn, and every year, it’s a little better.

On Sunday, Pastor Josh Rhodes shared three keys for our spiritual growth: growth in God’s Truth, godliness, and good works. These help establish an excellent foundation for building a relationship with God. As with any good relationship, it takes time and lots of it.

My relationship with God has also grown, not because of my green thumb but because of the effort I’ve put into it. It isn’t just about hearing a message on Sunday; it’s about digging deeper into His Word daily for a sound foundation.

– 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Growing with God takes planning, diligence, and effort. It is a relationship worth protecting and nurturing every day of the week. The challenges we work through strengthen our resolve and narrow our path so that the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) will eventually shine within us. We will do good works for His glory and not our reward. It will not be out of an attitude of requirement, but one grateful for the opportunity to freely give our time and resources.

When I check my phone’s calendar, it’s filled with meetings, haircuts, and dentist appointments scheduled six months ahead. I have also made it a point to set aside dedicated times for devotion, prayer, and nurturing my relationship with God.

Where do you want to grow? What knowledge do you want to acquire? Where is your life's foundation? Be intentional this week and strengthen your foundation with God. Make time and prioritize Him on your calendar.