When in a relationship, it takes work. It means to compromise and sacrifice yourself. There needs to be devotion. All of these attributes include growth. One relationship, as Christians, that we should show all of these qualities is our relationship with God. Building a solid foundation and becoming more aligned with God provokes growth.

We grow by spending time in His word. We grow with God by being obedient to His will. Growing with God is recognizing our need, daily, for God’s providence. It is especially maturing to give everything over to God as opposed to holding onto things we cannot change. We have to practice submission—relinquishing our entire being, our entire lives, to the giver of life.

Growing with God incorporates us taking ownership for our actions. It means not being too prideful to repent and ask for God’s forgiveness when we miss the mark. Growing with God also allows us to appreciate the fact that God meets us where we are, pulling us through our adversities, our trials. Growing with God is uncomfortable at times. It can feel like a tug of war. The good thing is, God sends the Holy Spirit to caution and correct us. Growing with God should be a gratuitous relationship; growth is advancing and becoming better!

Scripture to Remember: Ephesians 4:13-16 (NIV)

13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 

15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 

16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.