Last week my youngest dog turned one year old. Since I brought my dog home, there have been joyous moments. There have also been moments that have tested my patience. Like most dogs, the puppy stage will pass as time goes on. Overall, I understand that she will grow up. Over time, my dog will need to learn acceptable and unacceptable behavior. She will learn many things as time goes on. I hope that she is a different dog in the future than she is now.

All of us go through a similar process. All of us will go through a process of personal growth. By this, I refer to what we become in our lives. All of us can mature over time. All of us can become smarter over time. All of us can grow stronger in our faith. There are some unique parts of our personal growth.

First, we decide the effort we put into our personal growth. When we put the work in to accomplish a goal, we should not be surprised when it becomes a reality. We should care about how we try to improve ourselves. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – 12 says, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” Proverbs 13:4 says, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” In essence, if we show some care for our personal growth and work on it, then we will be rewarded. 

Another part to consider is that we do not have to go on our journey alone. While we can have support from others around us, we need to know that God is on our side. When we trust God, he will make our path clear.Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” When we acknowledge God is in control and allow Him to guide us, we can accomplish anything. 

Each of us is in a never-ending process of personal growth. There are always areas we can improve. It is ultimately our choice to take that first step. Will we choose to grow? Will we be better in the future than we are now?