This weekend the church that I attend is hosting a Priscilla Shirer Conference for women on Friday & Saturday, May 4th and 5th (the conference is 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday and 9-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, tickets are $10 and can be purchased at LifeWay Christian Bookstore in Harbison or at Fellowhship Bible Church). What a great opportunity for personal growth!
As I mentor young men a question I often ask is “Who do you think is responsible for your personal growth?” Their initial response is to consider their external surroundings: employer, school, church, etc. Then I ask them “What role do you have in your personal growth?” Ultimately you are responsible for your personal growth. Unless you’re in a military boot camp or a contestant on “The biggest loser” people are not going to be telling you what to do for your personal growth.
The Apostle Paul realized this truth as he wrote to the Philippians,
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (3:12-14)
Augustine wrote, “What you are must always displease you, if you would attain that which you are not.” We are to be content with what we have but not with who we are. The reason is we can always become more like Jesus. What have you found to be some helpful strategies for your personal growth?
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