The Choice Is Yours

Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

Have you ever stopped to think about who you were five or even ten years ago? Not just where you were in life, but where you were in your relationship with God. Are you the same person today? Have you grown in your faith? Are you more patient, more generous, more willing to surrender to what God is asking of you?

I think sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day of life that we forget spiritual growth is something we have to be intentional about. We expect to grow closer to God simply because we go to church, listen to a sermon, or read our Bible every now and then. But the truth is, spiritual growth is a choice.

Something that stood out to me from Sunday's message was the reminder that God gives us opportunities to grow, but He doesn't force us to take them. We get to choose whether we take that next step or stay exactly where we are.

And isn't staying comfortable so much easier?

We like our routines. We like knowing what to expect. We like being in control. But what if the very thing God is asking us to surrender is the thing keeping us from becoming who He created us to be?

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul talks about the Macedonian churches and their incredible generosity. These were people who didn't have much, yet they gave beyond what was expected of them. But what stood out wasn't how much they gave. It was that they first gave themselves to the Lord.

I think that's where it all starts. Before God wants our money, our time, or our talents, He wants our hearts. When we surrender ourselves to Him, everything else begins to change.

And that change doesn't always happen overnight. Sometimes it's in the small things. Choosing to spend a few minutes in Scripture instead of scrolling on our phones. Choosing to pray instead of worrying. Choosing to give when we'd rather hold on. Choosing to serve when it would be easier to sit back.

Those small decisions may not seem like much at the time, but over the years, they shape who we become.

The beautiful thing is that God isn't finished with any of us. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that the work He started in us is still being completed. We don't have to have it all figured out, and we certainly aren't going to get everything right. But we do have to be willing to keep moving forward.

As we wrapped up our Rock Solid series, one thing really stuck with me. It's not just about what we're building, but who we're becoming in the process.

The choices we make today don't just affect us. They affect our families, our church, and the generations that come after us. What kind of legacy are we leaving if we aren't willing to grow ourselves?

So here's my challenge to you, and to myself. Don't look at where you are today and assume that's where you're supposed to stay. Ask God what your next step is. Maybe it's generosity, maybe it's serving, maybe it's spending more time with Him, or maybe it's finally surrendering something you've been holding on to.

Whatever it is, take the step.

God is faithful to continue the work He started in us, but we have to be willing to say yes.

Spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident. It's a choice. And that choice is ours to make every single day.

Reflection
What is one area of your life where God has been asking you to grow, but you've been choosing to stay comfortable?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me and for continuing to work in my life. Help me recognize the areas where I've become too comfortable and give me the courage to take the next step. Teach me to surrender more of myself to You each day, even in the small things. I don't want to be the same person I was years ago. I want to continue growing into who You've called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.