Why It’s Scriptural and Smart to Prioritize Your Personal Growth
The More You Grow, The More You Flow
In Ecclesiastes 10:10, we are reminded that, "If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success." This simple principle is also echoed by Abraham Lincoln who said, “If I had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my ax.” John Maxwell also points out, “Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not. When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it’s almost always due to personal growth.”
Keep Growing and Keep Sharpening Who God Made You to Be
Did you know that some of the most famous figures in history faced repeated failures before finding success? Henry Ford was bankrupt five times before he founded the Ford Automobile Company, Walt Disney was fired from his first job for lacking imagination, and Albert Einstein was once considered mentally handicapped. These individuals didn’t give up; they grew.
The same principle applies to us as followers of Christ. Growth is a fundamental part of our walk with God. God has given us the incredible ability to develop, improve, and sharpen our skills—whether in prayer, Bible knowledge, leadership, or any other area of life. Purpose-driven people are committed to continual growth. They take what God has entrusted to them and improve it consistently, knowing that growth is key to living out God’s purposes.
Growth is Essential in Jesus’ Life
Even Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated the importance of growth. Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Jesus didn’t just naturally know everything. He had to grow in wisdom and knowledge, just like us. John 5:19 further highlights how Jesus only did what He saw the Father do, which meant He had to learn how to communicate and align with the Father’s will.
Paul’s Instructions to Timothy
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, urging him to be diligent and committed to growing in his faith and leadership. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul encouraged Timothy to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” He also emphasized the importance of taking intentional steps for growth: “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you…Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them so that your progress will be evident to all.” (1 Timothy 4:14-16)
Notice the key words used by Paul:
Be diligent
Workman
Accurately
Do not neglect
Take pains
Be absorbed
Progress
These instructions emphasize that growth in our faith requires action and intentionality.
Growth Brings Fulfillment and Impact
Personal growth is both fulfilling and impactful. Whether it’s improving a skill, increasing your understanding, or enhancing your relationship with God, growth leads to joy and fulfillment. I remember how exciting it was to develop a skill in sports or public speaking and seeing real improvement. Similarly, God’s will for us is not only to grow but also to use that growth to change the world for Him.
Growth is God's Will for You
Marshall Goldsmith, a top executive coach, says that, “What got you here, won’t get you there.” This principle is not only applicable in the corporate world but also in our spiritual lives. To fully experience God's purposes, we need to continue growing and improving. God wants us to sharpen our skills and continue progressing.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells the story of servants who were entrusted with talents, and those who grew their talents were rewarded. This illustrates the importance of growth and development in fulfilling God's plan for our lives.
The Growth Mindset
Carol Dweck’s research on the “Growth Mindset” emphasizes that we can continually improve through deliberate practice. The growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning, not just inherent talent. This aligns with the Bible’s teaching in Romans 12:2: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We are encouraged to grow in our understanding of God’s will and be transformed into His image.
Conclusion
Personal growth is not just about improving skills, but also about becoming more aligned with God's purpose for your life. Growth in Christ involves diligent effort, a commitment to continuous learning, and a willingness to stretch and improve. Whether it’s your relationship with God, your knowledge of Scripture, or your ability to serve others, growth will always lead to greater fulfillment and impact. It is God’s will for you to grow, and as you do, you will experience more of His purposes and blessings.
My goal is to help busy believers experience God more deeply, grow consistently—both spiritually and personally—and confidently live out their unique purpose.
