Recently, I’ve gotten somewhat obsessed with upskilling. Something in me just knew that if I were to help more people and remain competitive in the market, I have to become better– to do more and be more for the sake of the call that has been placed upon my life. 

In fact, amidst writing this to you now, I’m in between classes, certifications, and preparations for greater, bigger things.

Growing and evolving is a part of life. Most of us do not grow or wish to grow because we have not found our reason/s to. I’m glad I found mine. That is why I kind of revulse whenever I encounter someone who does not want to grow, change, or improve. At the back of my mind, I question “So, ganyan ka na lang palagi?” (“So, you’ll be like that for the rest of your life?”)

I don’t know exactly what it is with these types of people. I’d hate to judge and hopefully, I am not. But, isn’t growing just a part of life? To reach higher heights for the right reasons. Not for clout or having a sense of pride. But, to serve– to reach your full capacity. To reach your goals just for the sake of making sense of why you’re here in the first place. To live with your God-given purpose. For a deeper meaning than the self.

Growing in your relationship with God is possibly the most important growing you could do. As long as we are here on earth, God is in the process of using all things to work together for our good. And that includes the process of sanctification– to prepare you to be the spotless bride when Jesus comes back. Naturally, when you’re a Christian, it comes with loving growth and evolution. It comes with the hope of improving as human beings, looking more like Christ every day. 

This is not to say that God will love you any less if you don’t cooperate with Him. But, surrendering to Christ actually comes with the obligation to work with Him towards being patterned to His image. Treat it as your love offering to God. You are being transformed into His image for His glory and satisfaction.

You’re not meant to stay there 

I guess, half of the work is in that– in convincing you that we are not meant to stay where we are forever. We must continuously improve– our hearts being shaped and patterned to His. That’s what’s important, isn’t it? The honing of skills– being qualified– comes after God’s call. And the ball is still somewhat in our court to work with Him towards reaching our Promised Land.

Leviticus 26:3-4 (ESV)

“ If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” 

Obedience has its blessings and growing in our relationship with God is one of God’s mandates.

1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)

“ When I (Paul) was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

Start with where you are 

Growing in your relationship with God starts with acknowledging where you are and seeking God for direction on where you need to be in your walk with Him. God has a vision for each and every one of us. Not just professional vision, but most importantly, spiritual vision. 

What is your spiritual trajection? Where are you in your level of faith? Are there areas where you’re still hurting and are in need of God’s healing?

God wants you wholly and holy. He is building you to prepare you. He is building you, so you could represent Him correctly. He is building you, so He could use you for His glory. And isn’t that what we all want?

Growing is hard. It is not easy. But, it’s definitely worth it if it’s done in meaning. Growing for the Lord will not be in vain.