Christians in Action

Growth Mindset

Part 1

As plentiful as seeds are, they require additional resources to germinate. They need many things and supports within their environment to fully develop. Only God can dictate growth and life. And regardless of the environment, He is more than able in all circumstances. Yet, there is still an ideal environment in which seeds of any kind bear the best harvest. Our mindset, the seed to our Christian maturity, also requires the right environment to thrive.

Environments that promote a Growth Mindset

Good Instruction (Healthy Soil)

One of my personal dreams and goals is to have a yard filled with healthy flowering and edible plants. A thriving garden of abundance. I have enjoyed gardening with my father yet eventually decided it was time to plant in my yard as well. The results over the last two years have been less than favorable. In fact, the investment both financially and with my time, have yet to yield… much. Most plants did not die necessarily, they just did not thrive or produce anything. Frustrating is not the word to describe these results. Digging into my raised bed, with its expensive bags of dirt, I noticed there was not a single worm. Because of that observation, an important fact finally occurred to me. The soil was dead. Chemicals and artificial substances cannot produce living soil.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

We often substitute time with our Father, for other things that make us “feel better”, but actually leave us drained of any nutrients. We swipe our phone, seek retail therapy, indulge in our favorite foods, and loose ourselves in the fictional escape of television. While none of these things are bad, and entertainment has its place. When we get ready to plant – (work, interact with family, complete the tasks we are assigned for the day), we find ourselves lacking the desire and vitality we need to do these things at our best. We are relying on artificial fillers to give us the renewed live we need, the life that is essential for not just surviving the day but living out the day with abundance. We must be connected to the living resources that rejuvenate us daily. To ensure our minds are renewed we need to be intentional. These things include intentionally meditating on the word, praying, and reading/ hearing the word of God daily.