To Grow, See What Needs Growth

“Keep your elbow in. A straight line from shoulder to elbow to wrist. The ball has a better chance of going through the rim when it is being projected by a sraight line.” This interchange takes place on the basketball practice floor, coach with player. Coach paints a picture of what he wants the team to be doing, personally and corporately . Then he corrects those techniques that obstruct reaching the goals.

It is the same for spiritual growth. Through Scripture, God gives us a picture of what becoming Christ-like is and how to experience it. Then He observes what blocks that objective in us and causes or allows some adversity, some person or some concept in Scripture to expose it. Thus we grow the most and the deepest when we are willing to see what needs growth. Open to constructive criticism. Not defensive or rationalizing.

So one of the greatest love gifts we can receive is to have a friend lovingly and with encouragement confront us when he/she observes some aberrant behavior or attitude. This happens most frequently in small growth groups, but certainly can happen one to one. Like the situaion I shared last week with Keith confronting me with emotional neglect of my wife. I desire to be a godly husband so that hit me between the eyes, woke me up and I’m being much more sensitives to Theresa and by the grace of God filling her tank.”Theresa, I’ll probably need some reminders along the way.” Creatures of habit, you know

Then, just a few days ago I received an email constructive criticism in response to my blog that quite fully exposed my achilles heel – the driveness to achieve, to perform at the expense of neglecting ministry opportunity now especially to grandkids. I needed to hear that and emailed him back, thanking him for the note. He replied saying that was a very hard thing for him to do because he feared that would damage our relationship. (We are long-distant friends.)

“Burwick you say that you base your foundation principles on Scripture. Where do you find, ‘we grow the quickest and deepest when we see most clearly what needs growth.’”

Two Scriptures come to mind:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work

Scripture teaches us what is truth, shows us how we miss it, leading the Christian to repentance, obedience and change that brings growth (maturity).Christ-likeness. And that transaction can take place horizontally also:

Galatians 6:1-2 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

In summary, see your weakness, your faults, your sins. Repent. Do a 180..To the person who wants to grow in Christ-like character, seeing what needs growth and appropriating God’s empowerment are two key elements to maturity.

So, whether the confrontation is from Scripture or from a friend, a wise person who wants to mature in his walk with Christ will explore the criticism, learn from it and grow.

Thanks Keith and ______ (anonymous) for your gift of love. I’m a better man, in part, because of you.

Do  you have such a friend? Are YOU such a friend?