What Will You Give Up To Grow Up?

Some time ago Forbes Magazine published a piece “Give Up…To Grow.” It was career advice for business and professional people about giving up a position, a job, or some aspect of control in order to be more successful.

The article spoke of getting out of one’s comfort zone, assuming risks, and “taking a leap of faith.” The point of the article was that financial, business and career success comes with a cost. You must be willing to give up something in order to grow.

Norma Jean and I are fans of Shark Tank. It’s interesting to watch these would-be entrepreneurs pitch their ideas before the likes of Mr. Wonderful and Mark Cuban, hoping to receive in an investment in their business. Each of them are willing to give up equity to the investor, because they believe that partnership will help them grow.

This principle is true in spiritual matters as well. To make spiritual progress one must be willing to give up if they want to grow up.

#1 Give your time.

Nothing worthwhile in life is achievable without giving up a piece of your life called time. However, as Stephen Covey expressed it, “The key is not spending time, but in investing it.”

One can waste time on frivolous matters that don’t produce anything, or spend time just going through the motions. But an investment of time in focused reading, studying, thinking and meditating will pay spiritual dividends.

The Bible exhorts, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). This means to make the most of our time. To make the best use of it. To take advantage of it. Literally, it speaks to the “buying up of an opportunity.”

Time invested in ministry, fellowship, worship and evangelistic outreach is literally sowing the seeds that will produce growth. Remember the principle of this theme? You reap what you sow.

#2 Give your money.

The Bible teaches the principle of stewardship. All that we possess actually belongs to the Lord. God is the owner; I am the manager (Ps. 24:1; 2 Cor. 9:6-7; Prov. 3;9).

The Bible commands us to work in order to “have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28). Those who enjoy the blessings of material prosperity are instructed to be “ready to give, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). Giving not only makes us happy and provides a good feeling of self-satisfaction, but God blesses the cheerful giver.

In short, when we give, we grow.

#3 Give your talents.

God has blessed each of us with various talents, gifts, abilities and skills. While these can be used for our personal benefit and financial gain, we must be willing to use them for God’s glory.

Paul wrote that we all have “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.” He then emphasized, “let us use them” (Rom. 12:6). Peter likewise affirmed that “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Pet. 4:10).

When you use your talents, you improve your ability. You develop your skills. You increase your effectiveness. You grow spiritually.

Giving in order to grow, is a life principle that cannot be denied or ignored, if you desire progress in spiritual maturity.

Because you reap what you sow, then you must give to grow. Or as Robert Louis Stevenson expressed it, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman