There should not be a question about growth. Growth is good if it is for God and for good. Obviously growth in hatred and envy or any sin or destructive habit or heart attitude is not. I simply say this for the person who likes to nitpick or play devil’s advocate. Growth in sin is nothing more than devastating. O.K.
Now, back to the point. Growth is good. I have people sometimes ask if growing deeper disciples or growing more disciples in the church is best. There is no “best” here. Both are good and should be pursued- simultaneously and at all times. That is like asking, “should I love my spouse or my children more?” Don’t fall into that trap. Love them both in the ways that God has designed you to love them in the ways that are fitting for each. I think we can all spot that as a false and forced decision.
So, don’t try to pick in which ways you should grow. Grow in all of them. Grow deeper in the Lord. Grow outward in your engagement with people. Grow in your insistence for justice. Grow in your love for God and others. Grow in compassion and mercy. Grow in habits of personal discipline. Grow in health. Grow your resources and grow in your generosity with them. Grow in your career and your calling. Just keep growing. If you stop growing you stop living.
People who grow have more compassion. They are more interesting than those who don’t. They have more empathy for those who try and for those who fail. They are more humble because they see how much farther they have to go. They are more apt to succeed because of the effort expended. They have better perspective on life. Growth is just good. It is good for the individual. It is good for the church.
Celebrate your accomplishment with gratitude. Take a breath. Then ask, “God, what’s next?” and “How can I do that better?”