How We Grow

We are not meant to remain as children.

Ephesians 4:14a (Ph)

God wants us to grow up...

like Christ in everything.

Ephesians 4:15a (Msg)

To grow up, you must want to grow,

decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.

We become whatever we are committed to.

The way you think determines the way you feel,

and the way you feel influences the way you act.

...the thinking of others is the mark of maturity:

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."

Reflections of: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

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Grown Ups...funny movie, but makes you think what will everyone be like when we all grow up.

No matter how old you be, or whoever you are, wherever you are,

when we think of others, it's just one step more in being mature.

Doesn't that make me childish?...

Deep Deep Deep Down Down

For the last few days,
this is what we've been on about.
As we walk home,
me and my little sister will sing this song...

Deep Down In My Heart

Hey, Do you know what the Lord had done?
I won't going back anymore.
If you ever experienced His love,
You won't going back anymore.

Deep, deep (whoa), deep down, down
deep down in my heart (I love you Jesus).
Deep, deep (whoa), deep down, down
Deep down in my heart!

Do you love my Jesus,
Deep down in your heart?
Yes, I love your Jesus,
Deep down in my heart!

Say What You Mean

Ever wonder why it's so hard to say something?

And you end up keeping it to yourself,

and you think why didn't I just say it?

We are all different for a reason and that's a good thing.

1. "God wants unity, not uniformity"

...so "focus on what we have in common, not our differences."

2. "Maturity is living the tension"

...so "be realistic in your expectations"...there is no such thing as a perfect church because there wouldn't be any perfect people to make it up..."reconciliation, not running away, is the road to stronger character and deeper fellowship."

3. Encourage, don't criticize

...when you judge someone, you lose fellowship with God, you expose your own pride and insecurity, you set yourself up to be judge by God, and you harm your fellowship with the church...remember "a critical spirit is a costly vice."

4. No GOSSIP

..."gossip is passing on information when you are neither part of the problem nor part of the solution." Oh, and if you listen to gossip, it's like accepting stolen goods. If you listen to gossip, God says you are a troublemaker.

5. Follow Jesus' example

...a simple three-step process: "If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him-work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won't listen, tell the church."

6. Follow your leaders...give them your SUPPORT

...no such thing as a perfect leader, but God gives them the responsibility and authority to maintain unity. So be nice, help them out and in the end they may be accounted for how well they watched over you, but you will be accounted for how well you followed them.

"Truth is, everyone needs and wants to be loved, and when people find a church where members genuinely love and care for each other, you would have to lock the doors to keep them away."

...All the above, decribe the church, and what it means to be a part of it.

Some things are hard to say but it takes practice.

Other things are hard to say because now may not be the best time.

And other things are hard to say because we just don't know our purpose enough.

Just a thought. Reflections of: "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.