Living in an ever-changing and fast-paced world, feeling disconnected from your faith and church community is easy. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a life of continuous growth and deep connection—with God, each other, and our purpose.
But what does it mean from a biblical viewpoint to be growing and connected? In part one of this post, we’ll focus on the growing aspect of your walk with Christ by looking at practical ways to nurture your faith and expand your service.
Growing in the Christian Faith:
This means actively nurturing our relationship with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. It’s a continuous process of transformation, where we become more Christ-like in our daily lives.
Invite the Holy Spirit into your daily routine. Start each morning with a simple prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom. Throughout the day, pause to reflect on God’s presence in your life. Practice listening for the Spirit’s gentle nudges, which often come as intuitions or sudden realizations. When faced with decisions, big or small, take a moment to consider, “What would Jesus do?” Commit to regular times of silence and solitude, allowing space for the Spirit to speak to your heart. Remember, growth often happens in small, consistent steps – embrace the journey and feel the spiritual enrichment it brings!
Use technology as a tool to keep God’s Word at the forefront of your mind, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions. Consider using a Bible app with daily devotionals or verse notifications.
Let the message about Christ fill your lives in all its richness. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts” – Colossians 3:16.
Growing in Service by Taking on New Volunteer Roles and Being Involved in Outreach Programs and Initiatives:
This requires stepping out of our comfort zones to meet the needs of others, both within our church community and beyond. It involves discovering and using our God-given talents to positively impact the community and the world around us.
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” – 1 Peter 4:10.
Challenge yourself to try a new area of service. Talk to your pastor or outreach coordinator about areas of need in your church and community. Start small if you’re hesitant – even an hour a week can make a difference. As you serve, pay attention to what energizes you and where you see the most impact. This can help guide your future service opportunities. Experience the joy that comes from helping others and see the difference you can make in your community!
Growing in Generosity Through Increased Giving and Stewardship:
Growing in generosity is about cultivating a mindset that recognizes all we have comes from God. It involves managing our resources—time, talents, treasures, and testimony—in a way that honors God and benefits others. This growth often challenges our comfort zones and priorities. Stewardship, a vital aspect of generosity, is the responsible management of resources entrusted to us by God. It’s about using these resources to reflect God’s values and benefit others.
In our consumer-driven society, practicing generosity can be countercultural. Take an honest look at your current giving habits. You might set up automatic transfers to your church each payday. Consider increasing your giving by 1% of your income as a starting point. By making giving a priority in your budget, you’re putting God first in your finances.
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully” – 2 Corinthians 9:7.
If financial giving is difficult right now, explore ways to give your time or talents. Practice gratitude daily, acknowledging God’s provision in your life. This can help foster a generous spirit. Look for everyday opportunities to be generous. Remember, stewardship extends beyond money to how we care for our bodies, our relationships, and our environment.
Growth and connection are intertwined in our faith journey, nurturing our relationship with God and our community. We open ourselves to profound transformation by inviting the Holy Spirit into our daily lives, stepping out in service, and cultivating generosity.
Remember, this journey isn’t about perfection but progress. Each small step – a moment of prayer, a new volunteer role, or an act of generosity – brings us closer to embodying Christ’s love in the world. As you continue on this path of growth, may you find joy in the process, strength in your faith community, and a deepening connection with God.
Let’s embrace this beautiful journey, allowing our lives to be a testament to God’s transformative power and boundless love.