With three sessions behind us, we look toward our next time together in our monthly study of the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Before I share with you some thoughts about the next two laws to be covered, I thought I would ask a couple questions. If you have been participating in these classes, what, if any changes do you see taking place in your life? For me, this idea of being intentional has made the biggest difference in my thinking. This idea has caused me to not simply look at goals differently, but also to carefully look at each step I take to see if each of those steps help move me closer to that goal. I believe the next most impactful law has been the law of the mirror; which has caused me to once again, consider how I see me, you know, self-talk. This verse echoes in my mind, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14). Does your soul know that very well?
Looking ahead, we approach session four, which will cover two new thoughts: The Law of Design and the Law of Pain. The law of design is simple. Consider these words from John Maxwell’s study, “To maximize growth, develop strategies.” He calls it a system which simply means “the process of predictably achieving a goal.” Whether we realize it or not, we all participate in some sort of system. The question could be, “Is your system helping you to achieve your goals?” More about that during the class. The next law is the law of pain. We have all heard the saying, “No pain, no gain.” The reality is that no matter how hard we try, we will encounter pain in this broken world. How we confront those times plays a pivotal role in our ability to grow in Christ. This is how John says it, “Treating bad experiences correctly in your life will bring your greatest growth times.” Listen to what God’s word says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). So often we avoid situations, especially those created by our own unhealthy (bad) decisions, and thus learn nothing new, resulting in us repeating those same unhealthy (bad) choices over and over again. Although difficult at times, when it is possible, we need to confront the pain and what caused it, so we can grow from it. Even pain, when handle with care and compassion, can help bring about transformation.
May our God help guide and direct our steps as we continue to learn about these practical laws of growth. And may the choices we make bring Him the glory and honor. Dennis
