I became a Christian years ago, but am I actually growing in my faith?
Sound familiar?
Hopefully, no matter how long you’ve been a Christian, you are asking this question on a regular basis.
It is great if our knowledge of God grows, but it is another thing for our actions and heart to change!
If you’re wanting to actually grow as a person and become more like Christ in heart and deed, I have good news for you. That desire in you is from the Holy Spirit; don’t ignore it!
God shows us over and over that our heart and actions are important. In the book of James, we are reminded that we are to live out what we know to be true.
But be doers of the word, not hearers only…
James 1:22
Below are 6 instructional verses to memorize to help you grow.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment…
Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus spoke these words after being asked “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment of the law?” Of all the instruction God gives, this is the first and the greatest! If you memorize no other verses, remember this one!
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Jesus was in the middle of teaching on worry and anxiety when he spoke these words of instruction. He said we don’t need to worry, because God ALREADY knows our concerns.
I don’t know about you, but unless I have something else to actively focus on, I can rarely just stop worrying.
Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t just say “stop worrying”, He gives us something to replace our worry! As we focus on His kingdom, we also gain everything else we need, transforming worry into hope and our promised future in Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
You know those awkward baby shower activities? I first memorized this verse after a baby shower game!
Guests were asked to write the most helpful advice their parents ever told them. I snuck a peek at one of the answers and one women wrote that her mother recited this verse to her before bed each night. It had been a huge comfort to her ever since.
This is a great verse to deeply meditate on and let it really sink in.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
God goes on to say, “I will be found by you.” This prophetic promise was a reminder to the people of Israel. Even after their rebellion, they would be reunited with God.
We know two amazing things from this verse:
1) No matter where we are coming from, we can always seek God and find Him.
2) God wants to be found and known by us.
Let this verse remind you to never stop seeking!
Whatever you did for the least of these you did for me.
Matthew 25:40
We don’t love God in a vacuum or in the abstract. A big part of how we show our love for God is by loving those around us! Especially the ‘least’ among us.
But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:13
Jesus spoke these words right after he gave a warning. He said that, “lawlessness will multiply and the love of many will grow cold.”
One of the first times I was prophesied over the person put her hands on my shoulder, looked sweetly into my eyes and said, ‘Your heart is so tender before the Lord. That is a beautiful thing.’
I pondered those words for awhile. It was not long after that I had my first battle with bitterness. I remember I told my husband Jesse, “I don’t want to be bitter. I will not let my heart grow cold and hard.”
If you didn’t know, the world, discouragement, brokenness, and sin are working against us. We have to fight to keep a tender heart that doesn’t grow cold.
This is how we stand firm!
Watch and pray so you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
Matthew 26:41
I’m not giving any commentary on this one. This time it’s your turn!
Share below. What is your commentary on this verse?
