New Year's practical advice for growth

So far this week, we've talked about how we need to discipline ourselves for spiritual growth. We've noted that we need to take time to write out a purpose statement and a few goals for this year, to w-o-r-k at reading the Bible, to cultivate good character, and to read good, solid, Christian books. What else?

I think it's also important to get into a small group, if possible, where we can deepen relationships and encourage others (and they can encourage us). Perhaps you are part of a church, or perhaps not. We may be able to find like-minded Christians that we can fellowship with, as Paul says in Hebrews:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

For some of us, this study group provides a welcome opportunity for prayer requests, rejoicing, and encouragement. But I would ask that each of us try to find friends who will stimulate us and encourage us to grow in Him. If we have a relationship that is enticing us to go back into the world, or to engage in sin, we must draw back. If we are working to witness to an unbeliever, we may need to keep that relationship, but to make more distance in order to protect our witness. We will tell that person that there are some things we can't do, and some things we can't approve.
As believers, we need one or two trusted, close friends who can ask us the hard questions -- who can hold us accountable.  It is they who will ask us if we have spent time daily in prayer and study this week; it is they who will ask if we've been anywhere this week where Jesus would not have been comfortable; it is they who will ask if we have been a witness for Him.

Next, in that same journal where we wrote our purpose statement, let's write down some notes. Let's pray and ask God how He wants us to be serving Him. Let's make a short list of our gifts, and then pray about serving Him. Later on in our studies of I Peter, we will read that Peter puts all service in one of two categories: speaking or serving. (I Peter 4:10-11)  We may get involved serving other believers or unbelievers in a ministry of a church or Christ-filled charity, or we may reach out to our neighbors or colleagues at work, to build relationships where we can speak out and share Christ Jesus.

Lastly, let's not forget to set some financial goals; we should aim to become better stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. Jesus told us to store up treasures in heaven, but He didn't mean that we forget about this life! Here is what Paul tells us:

Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (I Timothy 5:8)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (I Timothy 6:17-19)

Practical advice?

• Let's get out of debt. 
• Say goodbye to impulse purchases. 
• Write out a budget and then stick to it. 
• Give more than we are now to our church or ministry we know of. 
• Build savings for emergencies or needed repairs. 
• Start a retirement fund, with a view to how we can serve the Lord once we are freed up from providing a living.

We've covered a lot of ground this week..... if it has hit you like water from a fire hose, don't let it keep you down.
Pray and ask God to show you the first two things that you need to focus on.
It's my prayer that all of us will be able to look back on 2018 as a year of growth in Him!