Tearing Down to Grow!

I actually wrote this quite awhile back, but felt it appropriate to share with you all here.

Tearing Down to Grow
- In the town I live in there has been a movement of economic development and growth. So the downtown area is being revitalized and as part of the growth, new buildings are being built. But in order to make room for the new buildings, old ones are being torn down and completely removed.

Some of the building that are being removed were of great value and in their day, 30-40-60 years ago, were a centerpiece of business to the area. Today, they are being leveled and cleared to make room for a bigger, better, brighter future.

What does this have to do with you???

For our bigger, better, brighter future, there are things in our lives that must be torn down to make room for the growth that needs to take place. For a plant to grow, the seed must first die before it sprouts up. As an example... Jesus said that we are to take up our cross daily.

We all have centerpieces in our lives that have been built up, were vital to our success for the time we needed them, and may even have some value to them today, yet are getting in the way of our success, our calling, our purpose and destiny! In order for us to grow, whether it be financially, spiritually, physically, mentally, socially, room must be made. We have to clear out those centerpieces getting in the way of the new growth being built up inside of us.

So how do you know what to tear down and level as you make room for your growth? When it comes to personal growth, there are 3 questions I frequently ask myself:
I. What are you listening to? (Radio, tv, media, CD's... are they adding value to me and my success or are they just entertainment... are they a positive influence or negative influence... how does it affect my attitude)
II. What are you reading? (Am I reading at all... Is what I'm reading challenging or encouraging me... Is what I'm reading going to help me grow and maybe even help me locate those areas that need to be leveled )
III. Who are you talking to? (Am I developing relationships with people who will add value to me as well as I can add value to them... Are there people that will be honest with me and tell me the area's that need to be torn down and that I need to grow in and am I developing open communication with them)

Growth and develpment can be painful. That is why so many people refuse to go thru it. Yet, the crazy thing is, if you are willing to grow and level the areas that stand in the way, it is less painful than not growing and staying where you are!

When Jesus took up his cross for us once and for all, it was painful, it was messy, and it brought death. It seemed like there was no hope. But remember, it was only 3 days later and life was BIGGER, BETTER, and BRIGHTER.

Make sure you are growing. Do what it takes. Ask yourself the 3 questions I posed earlier and be honest with yourself. Then be willing to level and clear out those areas that stand in the way of new growth in your life. Only then will you see the development and growth that leads to the success you are called to and destined for!!!

'Now Thats GOOD STUFF'