In order to move forward in the growth process, we must learn patience. It does not normally occur by quantum leaps because it takes us time to reason through, sort out and grasp the significance of major, traumatic events as well as some things that we totally disregard – until they are habitual. In many cases, it takes months, years, and seasons, and who wants to wait that long?

A statement by theologian Chuck Swindoll provides great comfort: “Life is so daily.” This truth illustrates how seemingly slow, tedious, and painful life and the maturity process can be. The growth process, while not complicated, requires substantial time and energy. First, you must comprehend the image the Father envisioned for you. Then, you must allow the Son to conform you into His likeness and the Father’s image. This is only possible by learning and interpreting the Spirit’s language so that you follow His direction and do not aggrieve Him. Focus on building an intimate relationship with each Person of the Trinity, through which you will learn Their ways and individual thoughts.

Our finite minds struggle with comprehending the awesomeness of an infinite, sovereign Deity. Isaiah stated that God’s ways are higher than ours. (55:9) This truth alone should help us keep our perspective. If we are ever mindful that we are the children in our relationship with the Trinity, it should help us maintain our “awe factor” as we seek to build our friendship with Them. Their guidance will direct us through this visible world of invisible qualities. This proper perspective should also help us keep from believing our own hype! My previous pastor, Lee Brookins, humbled his congregation by articulating the prideful belief that many of us often embrace, but would never admit to: the belief that when we committed our lives to Christ, on some level we felt as though God was getting a “great deal” in our choice to join up with the Christian ranks. If you have had any worldly success at all, whether before or after you became a believer, you can probably admit to feeling, on some level, that you are a talent able to contribute great value to God’s Kingdom. But if you are planning on “taking the Christian life by storm,” guess again. You are going to have to slow down to speed up!

As we continue the subject of “Family and Friends,” and end up the year, my hope is to provide a better understanding of how to approach your relationship with each Person of the Trinity. The process will be the same in all three cases. However, you must consider each Individual’s uniqueness in order to appreciate Their position and relevance to your life. Each Individual is good, loving, and committed to you. Above all, They are just and righteous. Therefore, you never have to watch your back, as They will do that for you. There should be no question that these three key intimate friendships are better than one.

Establishing your friendships with each will provide an awareness of the hierarchy among, and responsibilities between, each of your Family Members – in the same way you do with your earthly family. Each Person of the Trinity provides you with a unique provision to strengthen your life in the Kingdom while you are on earth. You simply cannot afford to neglect cultivating an intimate relationship with any of the Family Members. Intimacy is a necessary component for effective accountability. Kingdom guidelines are not always similar to man-made societal or denominational guidelines. However, we still must live in a world run by man and his institutions.

Tomorrow we dig deeper.

Love Dad