Key to Growth

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.

This verse reveals the key to physical growth that many churches fail to understand. We often develop programs to try to bring people into our churches or ministries, and programs will fail every time. The church is about people – not programs or gimmicks designed to attract more people. While people may come to an attraction, if there is no substance, they will not return.

The believers throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria grew in physical numbers because they were growing and increasing spiritually. Physical growth happens only after spiritual growth. Spiritual growth comes when believers are built up, strengthened, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. A church grows by investing in its people, not by investing in programs. 

The Devil is always at work trying to tear down and discourage God’s people. Don’t cooperate with him.  Look for ways to build each other up and to encourage one another daily. Godly, caring community edifies the individual and strengthens the body of believers, but isolation destroys. Developing healthy relationships brings spiritual and physical growth.

Pray with me today that God will begin to strengthen us spiritually. The more isolated we are, the more discouraged we will become. Reach out to someone who may be alone today, and encourage her in the Lord. We all need encouragement to face the days ahead, and we all need each other. You stand nothing to lose from encouraging someone, and you can only be blessed in the process. Go ahead.  Make someone’s day!

Have a blessed day!