Intentional Growth PT-1

Often, we express a sincere desire to grow, whether it be individually or as a congregation. Rarely, are we intentional about seeing this desire become a reality. Common sense informs us that significant accomplishments are not achieved by mere, albeit sincere, intentions. We do not seriously expect to realize financial, weight-loss, or work-out goals without engaging in sustained, purposeful effort. Can we truly expect spiritual growth without being intentional with regard to our spiritual formation? Of course not.

Satan’s greatest ploy is preoccupation. The need to be intentional, to employ some added measure of discipline, in our striving for spiritual growth is self-evident. The temptation is to focus elsewhere. Satan will provide a multitude of more alluring options. We easily recognize the hand of evil when we are tempted to engage in something inherently sinful. We are less likely to discern Satan’s work of shifting our focus from the great to the good. We peacefully participate in our routine of good activities, all the while, failing to acknowledge the Lord’s challenge for something greater. That is the genius of the Evil One.

It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic, is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things.
Theodore_Roosevelt 26th president of US (1858 - 1919)

Do you agree?