Today as I was eating breakfast with my wife I looked over a side table and staring at me was a prized picture of my mom and dad. I had been thinking about growth and praying to God for guidance in that area. The mention of my parents is because when you look at the three types of growth mentioned above my folks would meet all three categories. Obviously they had physically grown into adults well into their 70’s prior to passing away and moving onto greater things. My mom physically was short in stature about 5’0 tall and medium build. She was dynamite in a small package. My dad on the flip side was 6’4 and 350 pounds. He was a full grown man that stood over people in any room and rarely would you see a man much bigger than him. Intellecually they were both very mature adults. I cannot remember one single time in my childhood or adult life around them when they fought or argued. I am sure they did at times but they knew that was to be done away from people and the kids so they did it in private.

Spiritually they both loved the Lord and were great role models for my family in that part of life. My dad read the entire Bible 3-4 times from start to finish and kept notes in a notebook and his own Bible that I still have in my possession. Mom was a Sunday school teacher, mentor and volunteered at church and in the community. Rarely did you ever hear either of them say a curse word or something off the wall. They had been raised to be physically, intellecually and spiritually grown people. Even into their 70’s after their bodies started to reverse course and fail on them with achy joints, diabetes and other physical issues they continued to seek to grow intellecually and spiritually. Mom would read, watch TV shows and do puzzles to keep her mind sharp. Dad would read, listen to music, and still read the newspaper like the old days. They knew that being able to read and write were basic adult abilities and tools that could help you be successful in life.

I gave this background because that is the example of grown that I have seen and bless thier souls my parents are now in Heaven together and have reached full mature growth in all three areas. They have new bodies and are strong and able. They have been granted the intellecual thought of Heaven and know so much now we only wish we could know. And finally, they have made the final step in spiritual awakening when they closed their eyes and took their last human breath and were in the presence of God himself. So now I have to ask myself am I grown and in what areas do I need to increase my physical, intellectual and spiritual growth?

The good old internet had a definition of physical growth. The process of the body changing, growing and aging into full human growth. Typically this physical maturity occurs by the early 20’s for most people so I can check that one off the list. I am now in my mid 50’s so I am way past the physical growth stage of life. The intenet also defines intellectual growth as the process of growing ones mind, mental capacity, learning and retaining knowledge. As a career teacher I have studied lots of information, read books, sought information and I think I have reached a good adult level of intellectual growth. Lastly, the good old internet defines spiritual growth as: the increase in knowing God’s word, learning the process of fighting off sinful actions in your life. Spiritual growth may have other meanings to you based on your releigion or lack of.

For me spiritual growth is the process of getting closer to God through his word and study. It is the process of awakening the soul and making a life long connection to God. It is seeking out him and his will in your life. I have made great strides in this area, but am far from where I need to be. With that said I have read the Bible for guidance and prayed and came up with these ways to become a master of spiritual growth. Not a masters degree, that is intellectual growth. I am talking about being awarded the ultimate growth certificate and that is to know God, his expectations in my life and how to meet those requirements. I want to live my best life in all three areas so to keep growing physically, intellecually and spiritually I will do the follwing things.

Physical Growth- The only growth I see at this point in my 50’s is my belly getting bigger and weight changing. I made a decision a year ago to make physical growth a must in life and have since lost about 50 pounds and have a long ways to go. I feel better with less weight, take less medicine, get more exercise and have more energy so that is how I can continue to grow in this area. Be smart, do the right things and live my best physical growth life.

1. Eat better foods
2. Drink more water
3. Stay off sugary products and eat more natural
4. Walk, bike, run or work in the yard to get exercise
5. Lose some weight if needed

Intellectual Growth- I like to read about topics of interest such as faith, paranormal, spirit and leadership. I plan to continue to grow as an intellect and reach all the potential I can in that area. An idle mind becomes less effective the older we get. So I will read, write, research, study, watch and even take a few more classes of interest to grow this area.

1. Read books you like
2. Watch documentories about history, life and culture
3. Go back to school or take some online classes
4. Write, Blog or make videos using your knowldege and background
5. Attend seminars, Church, conferences and other events designed to motivate the mind

Spiritual Growth- This is the most important area for me as I am now at the point of a full spiritual awakening with God and his spirit in me. I will read his word, research, pray and meditate so I can seek him and his full guidance in my life. I dare you all to do the same and see how this helps you live your best life and reach full growth in a physical, intellectual and spiritual way.

1. Read God’s word daily
2. Pray daily
3. Meditate
4. Go to church, attend conferences, watch videos, and other online opportunity
5. Seek God first and ask him to guide you
6. Submit to his will and watch what happens

Spiritual Growth

Hebrews: 4:12; For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Physical Growth

3rd John 1:2; Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Intellectual Growth

1st Peter 1:13; Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.