It’s more than just a good idea
Throughout the scripture, the Lord’s desire for increase is a common theme for the believer. His desire for us is to increase in love, in understanding, in stature, in faith, blessing and wisdom. All of these things are designed to help us navigate through the blessing God has given us called life. In fact, for us to increase is more than just a good idea, it’s an expectation. In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus gave us the Parable of the Talents. This parable was given to show us how He imparts gifts with a purpose. That purpose is for increase. The extent to which we experience spiritual blessing and growth defines the extent to which we can help others to do the same. When we cease to increase, we bury the very thing the Lord has given us: the living seed that contains the increase. Once the seed is buried, not planted, we begin to experience life on life’s terms. When the hard times hit, we fall away from the faith. We find ourselves beginning to wonder what is going on in this world we live in today and where is God in all of it. The very words the Lord has given us to combat this train of thought become muted and no longer speak. We start to blame God and slowly begin to know Him as a “hard man.” The blessing of life on this earth becomes a curse to us. Our perception of God changes from that of “Life Giver, to “Life Taker.” We fall deeper into the very darkness we were saved from in the first place. Blinded by the spiritual forces at work in this fallen world. Take courage my friends. We serve a higher physician and He has the prescription for us all. Think increase!!! I challenge you to daily begin cultivating a mind that is set on growth. Grow in your knowing of the love God has for you and increase in your ability to love others the same way. Tear down the walls of division. Grow in your ability to hear from God. Read what the Spirit says about itself in His word. The Spirit is your guide through the challenges of this life. Follow it, and you will no longer look back on your past with regret, wishing “if only I knew then what I know now.” Your feet will be firmly planted, set on a rock, secure, and able to help those the Bible calls the naive and unlearned. The flood is still happening and there is still a sea full of people unknowingly treading water for their life. You will begin to be able to mix spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. Words that can shed the true light on a darkened path. Know that the power of life and death is in the tongue. So, change the very words that come out of your mouth, for your words have power. Whatever you call something defines what that thing is to you. So let “I can do nothing” become “I can do all things in Christ Jesus.” Increase my friend’s, increase!!! Romans 4:20 – “Yet with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” It is God’s will for you to increase. Claim it today and live on this earth the way God intended. Empowered!!!