Daily Devotion

July 29, 2013

KEEP GROWING 2


“Let the wise listen and add to their learning.”                               Pr 1:5 NIV

When it comes to growth, Christ is our example. The Bible says that He “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Lk 2:52 NIV). To enjoy favor with God and others you must keep growing spiritually, mentally and emotionally. That requires you to do two things: (1) Never stop learning. Every experience in life, including the ones you don’t enjoy, yields knowledge that can make your future better than your present. But you have to look for it. The downside to the Internet and the iPhone is that you get endless “hits” of information you don’t process or glean anything from. Instead of letting life just “happen” to you, you need to stop and ask yourself, “What’s really happening here? I’m hearing it, but what does it mean?” You are body, soul, and spirit, so you need to ask, “Am I healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually?” No one can answer that question but you. (2) Never stop developing your talents. When one of the world’s greatest violinists was an old man, he was asked why he still practiced six to eight hours every day. He replied, “Because I think I’m getting better.” What a great attitude! It’s not enough just to live longer, you’re supposed to live better! Paul told Timothy, “Stir up the gift…which is within you” (2Ti 1:6 NKJV). Wesley Tracy said, “Some people have the notion that following your spiritual gift is spending the days and years of your life doing only those things which come naturally, easily, with no effort, discipline or practice. No, your gift can either be mediocre or excellent; it’s up to you.”

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