There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder. ~ Ronald Reagan
The greatest responsibility entrusted to mankind is understanding and developing what God has given them. Each person is born to learn and grow, to flourish and thrive – these are words which all creation utters. We learn and grow by keeping ourselves in constant awareness of how we’ve been made on the inside and in the world we live. All of us must become all that we are gifted to be. Otherwise, why live? An acorn is not an oak tree when it germinates, it must go through much before it is a full grown oak tree. So a person is not mature when he or she is created, they have only begun! Maturity only happens when learning from both the good and bad; with struggles comes growth.
The secrets to your personal growth are knowing and understanding God’s given strengths, forgiving the past, and moving to God’s Truths, Beauty, Unity, and Goodness of life. We read this transformational process in the most reliable and accepted book in the Holy Bible – The book of John. In John 3:3, the GREAT philosopher, Jesus, declared no one can live in fulfillment, now or here after, unless they are born again in Spirit. Meaning, a person must have an intimate relationship with God (Through Jesus) and give birth to a divine attitude or spirit. This is done by believing and relying completely in the Ways of God, rather than the ways of man. There is a correct and perfect use for everything in the universe including you. Each person is created perfectly to operate and function in perfect harmony within their God-given design. Each person’s job is to discover and develop the foundation God intended them to be.
The only poor people are those who are poor in their own spirit, even though they may have both hands full of worldly treasures. We are moving away from teaching principles or vital truths that never change. These old established truths are still the starting point for all growth, and we must eliminate the conflict between right and wrong, good and evil, and man’s ways and God Ways. To “know thyself” is to understand the image of God you’ve been created in and keep constantly growing to your greatest potential and fulfillment.
The all-encompassing nature of a person reveals them to be a creature of specific Ways, who is designed by their Infinite Creator to LIVE and GROW according to His PURPOSE. People change by growth – not by magic. Tomorrow’s growth depends upon the use we make of today’s materials and experiences. Nothing is lost upon a person who is bent upon growth; nothing is wasted on one who is always preparing for work and life by keeping eyes, mind, and heart open to trustful people, reliable books, worthwhile experiences, and God’s Way.
Question: Who do you lean on to provide growth in your life?
Know This: You are loved by this pastor! Grace and Peace – Pastor Drake
First Baptist Church 
I enjoyed reading this ! Very well written.
Very good and we should be leaning on Jesus for growth and guidance in our life.
Thank you for the encouraging words. We should all definitely be leaning on Jesus who is God. The one who created us in His Image to fulfill His purposes rather than our own. I’m so thankful for God’s gift of the the potential He gave us to fulfill His purposes. Let’s return the gift by reaching His potential within us to carry out the Great Commandment and Commission.
Blessings!
Very good message. It is inspirational to say the least..
Thank you for your kind words. The “Image of God” within each, along with God’s indwelling Holy Spirit (this happens when a person receives Christ as their Savior) is extremely inspirational. A new life in Christ allows a person to grow in their god strengths rather then their limitations. My prayer is every Christian will set their hearts on things above, where Christ is, rather than be focus on their sinful nature (earthly things). Unfortunately, most Christians choose to focus on their sins (mistakes, limitations, wrongs, etc.) rather than developing their strengths to share the gifts God gives through His Holy Inspiration or Spirit. Again, thank you for your kind words and know you are LOVED!
Grace and peace!
Pastor Drake thank you for the words that inspires each day. I have enjoyed reading your blogs.
Lois
Dear Pastor Drake, there is so much you have opened my eyes to that I never knew or heard about before like the four images of God and every person has been made in one of these images. Plus how each person needs to grow in Christ to find their true identity. Thank you too, for helping me to learn more about God and our Savior Jesus Christ!
I’m thrilled God can use me to share His divine truths, and I appreciate all your kind and wonderful words, I’m truly touched and thank God every day for our friendship and our continuing growth in Christ.
Grace and Peace!
Drake
Great message Pastor Drake. We need to keep focused on God!