One of my most favorite things to do is to watch someone else grow spiritually. Sometimes I just know when something will give them that boost that they need to grow. You’ll know it when you see it because old hurts will melt away in a flash, or they will understand life a little better. Yet this is only a glimpse into what is really taking place.
Spiritual growth brings us closer to God.
I enjoy watching others grow because I am grateful to those who invested their time in me to help me grow.
We get a glimpse into Peter’s spiritual growth in Matthew 16.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 16:15-17
As Peter got a little closer to God, God revealed to him the true identity of Jesus. Jesus’ comment was a confirmation to Peter – if he did not already know – that God had reached out to him.
Many folks consider people building to be things like helping a person to have more self-esteem, or be a better leader. I believe true people building starts with introducing someone to Jesus.
People building is reduced to working with ego and self-esteem when Jesus is left out of the equation. Whatever gains are made are lost in eternity. Whatever gifts and talents exist are simply all there is.
People building is exciting and unbridled when Jesus is in the equation. Faith can move mountains. Spiritual growth abounds. Eternity is secure.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Spiritual growth flourishes in an environment where doing the right thing is promoted, encouraged, and even strongly urged by the group. You might say it’s the right kind of peer pressure.
If you want to do people building, let someone see Jesus – not in you but through you. It’s in those times when you meet their need before they say anything. It’s in those times when you forgive before they ask. It’s in those times when you are just a tad nicer than expected. It’s when you reward those strides they make to be closer to God. It’s when you help them win because they need it.
True people building is not about what you have to offer or to teach. It’s about letting God reach out through you in a way that pulls someone closer to Him. It’s when someone knows – really knows – that God was reaching out to them.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to grasp that true people building is about helping someone move closer to God. It’s not about you. It’s about their relationship with the Lord. It’s about letting God use you to reach out to them in such a way that they move closer to Jesus and recognize it in the process. Consider how Jesus helped Peter recognize God had revealed that He – Jesus – is Christ and God’s Son.