Today, as I read 1 Corinthians 14 verse 20, I was reminded yet again that God calls us to a growing, thriving relationship with Him. Paul wrote, "Stop thinking like children...but in your thinking be adults." Romans 12 calls us to "be transformed" by the "renewing of our mind." Our behaviors, our attitudes, our thought life, how we make decisions - everything should be affected by our relationship with God.
We aren't suppose to stay the same. We aren't supposed to stay where we began. Alive things grow! From child to adult, from seed to crop - where there is life, there is growth. So, the question is: Are we growing? And the next questions is: If not, why not? And the last question is: HOW? How do we grow in our knowledge of God?
Funny you should ask! I happen to have list right here...
5 Ways To Grow In your Knowledge Of God
1) Dig Into The Word - John 8:31-32 tells us that as we remain in God’s Word, we know the truth. The word “truth” in the original Greek means the “reality.” The reality of who God is will be found in His Word. Psalms and the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are great places to start. Whenever you read a scripture that tells you more about who God is, highlight it in your Bible or write it into a journal. Take time to think on the truth you uncovered and ask God to seal it in your heart. Ask: How does this affect me on a Monday? How does it apply to my everyday life?
2) Spend Time In Prayer- Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. It isn’t just about you sharing who you are with Him. It’s about taking time to listen as He shares who He is with you. Listen for His voice every single day and keep your eyes open to see where God is moving and revealing Himself to you. If you are not sure that what you are hearing is from God, find a trusted follower of Jesus – someone seasoned and strong in their relationship with the Lord – to ask. Hearing God’s voice for ourselves is so important – too important to neglect!
3) Spend Time In Worship – Worship doesn’t just happen on Sunday mornings when we join with the corporate church in song. Worship can happen in the car on the way to work, in the kitchen while you are making dinner, and in the bathroom as you get ready in the morning. Fill your home with songs that edify and point you (and those who live with you) to God and His character.
4) Get Connected To A Local Church – Find a Bible-believing church in your area and attend faithfully. Join a Bible Study. Immerse yourself in a community of people hungry to know God. The Bible says in Proverbs that as "iron sharpens iron" one man sharpens another. We need each other. Step past your nerves (We are ALL nervous at first!) and plug in to a community that challenges you grow in your relationship with God.
5) Surround Yourself With People Who Love Jesus – Ask God to help you find build solid friendships with others who desire to grow in their relationship with Him, too. Hold one another accountable, pray for each other, and share the things that God has been teaching you. Make plans to go to coffee. Visit each other in your homes for dinner or a "let's fold laundry and chat while the kid's nap" party. Go out to dinner. Have a game night. Intentionally invest in relationships that draw you closer to God.
Have some more ideas on how we can grow in 2022? Share them in the comments!