"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son"
(Romans 8:29a NLT)

You were created by God to become like His Son, Jesus. Contrary to popular opinion, God's ultimate goal for you is not your personal comfort and pleasure; He wants you to grow up spiritually.

His purpose is to transform your character. Why?

• Then you can be a better you.
• Then you can fulfill the original purpose He had in mind when He made you
• Then you can truly succeed in life
• Then you can get rid of all the junk that stands between you and the BEST

God wants us to grow up. We can not remain as children and be healthy. We need to grow in the proper fashion. This is a process. There are no shortcuts.

But, 1 John 2:12-14 gives us a blueprint for the process:

• Children - We begin our relationship with God by being born in Him. We are children at this point. He forgives us of our sins and begins an eternal relationship with us. But, we do not stop here.
• Young men - He expects us to grow into young men and women. At this stage, we have learned how to be strong, to apply His Word, and to deal with the Evil One.
• Fathers - We can only be a father if we have reproduced. That means we are participating in the process of growth for others from start to finish.

So, what do you do? How do you implement this growth plan?

• Wake up - It's time to wake up to what is going on. Life is moving at a brisk pace. It's time to wake up to what God has in store for you. What we are speaking of today is right where you live.
• Show up - The opportunities are here for you. But you must show up . Here are some areas that a waiting on you:
  • A daily appointment with God Himself
  • A daily opportunity to be a better family member
  • A weekly congregational meeting
  • A weekly LifeGroup gathering
  • A Network worship service
  • A growth seminar (finance, family, etc.)
• Set up - You must be prepared for your life to change. This is all about life change. If you do not want life change, then stay away from this message. The set up of your life will change.
• Speak up - This is not just about what goes into you. It's also about what comes out. You will have the opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives. It's time to get off the bench and get in the game. It's not about you! It's about God and His purposes in the earth. It's time for you to speak up with your mouth and your actions!
• Take up - You are just getting started. Be ready to take up the next mission that God has for you. Be ready to take up the slack for somebody who isn't pulling their share of the load. And just remember, somebody did that for you. And God does it every day.

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