Growth really is optional....

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in Him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” - John 15:5

There are multiple languages in our culture today. Music, business, agriculture and athletics are all languages that many in our society speak fluently. Reaching people in any language that we speak should be our goal as Christians. Building bridges of love to connect people with God and others is really what our life should be about.

For about 30 years I have coached kids, teenagers and adults in multiple areas from basketball to football and most things in between. This is an opportunity to connect with people in an incredible way. The Bible is filled with the athletic model for life. The clearest observation of knowledgeable coaches however, is their frustration with those they instruct. This holds true with our Christ-walk.

We all have to age and mature physically, but growth and spiritual maturity are optional. We can listen to accomplished coaches explain their winning offensive philosophies, but if we don't try to implement changes in our own lives we will get the same results we have always had. Similarly this is true spiritually. We can go to church, read our Bibles, do our devotions, even an occasional mission project, but if we don't apply what we learn to our own life, does it do us any good?

UN-fruitfulness should not be an option for us as Christians. As a coach/pastor, I owe it to my "team" to commit myself to continual improvement and growth. Athletes/Christians whom I influence have the same responsibility as well. It is time to make a decision to grow and thrive in Him.

"God, fill them with all hope, joy and peace that they may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit..." Romans 15:13