How I am growing myself

Many times I hear people talk about how they are struggling with growing either as a Christ Follower, leader, husband, wife, father or mother. So today I thought I would share some of the ways I am continuing to try to grow myself.

1. Get in God's Word, the Bible, every day and seek Jesus with all my heart and life - don't tell me you don't have time, because I know better.
   
2. Date Night is becoming a priority with my wife and I.  If we aren't spending time together and dreaming and just being, we are missing out on life. The more I know my wife, the more I am able to love her.
3. I read a lot.  I find books that will grow me as a leader, husband, father and Christ Follower. No I don't just do this because I am a pastor, I have always tried to do this.
4. Listen to cd's and sermons on my ipod.
5. I have mentors in every area of my life - I have someone that coaches me as a Pastor, as a Father, as a husband and as a Christ Follower. Who are your mentors or coaches or are you trying to do life by yourself?
6. Become a learner in every part of life and develop a teachable spirit. This will take you further than you could ever imagine.
7. I journal my prayers and thoughts frequently which helps me look back and see how I have grown.
   

Here's the bottom line question to see if you are growing in your life or not:

Are you more in love with God today than you were a year ago? Are you less judgemental today than you were six months ago? Do you love people that are far from God or are you just disgusted by their life style and actions? Are you reading God's Word because you know that if you don't you will mess up your life? These questions will help you evaluate your spiritual growth with Jesus.

You can ask these questions in regards to any of the areas where you want to have growth and be honest with yourself.   For example, do I know my wife's love language more today than yesterday? Am I spending Quality time with my kids or am I more wrapped up in my stuff? Am I a better leader today than I was six months ago?

You can grow but you must start somewhere. Don't let your lack of time keep you where you are.