Five Diamonds of Spiritual Growth

Five Diamonds of Spiritual Growth

(1) Resolve Undue Influence Given to Childhood Experiences

v  Grapple with negative childhood influences and messages

v  Cease the uncritical acceptance of the opinions and thoughts of others

v  Erase the negative childhood tapes

(2) Appreciate Your Worth as a Child of God

v  Comprehend the strength of God’s love for you as an individual

v  Appreciate your worth as a child of God – Psalm 139

v  Begin self acceptance and eradicate low self esteem

v  Carl G. Jung – the process of individuation

v  Shakespeare – “To thine own self be true!”

v  Know thy self

v  Accept thy self

v  Love thy self

v  Discover thy passions

(3) Understand the Biblical Principle of Stewardship

v  Poor understanding of stewardship of time, finances and health

v  The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30

v  Commit to becoming a better steward of one’s resources

v  Remember “Less is more”

v  Become “leaner and meaner”

v  Complete a Bible study on the benefits of good stewardship

(4) Utilize the Spiritual Discipline of Self-Analysis

v  Become willing to look intensely at your character and behavior

v  Ask the question, “What is God’s will for my life?”

v  What is my raison de tre?

v  Why am I doing all of the things that I am doing?

v  Have routine conversations with the person in the mirror

v  Take an inventory of one’s assets and liabilities

v  Define goals for growth

v  Develop a mission statement in accordance with God’s will

v  Conquer each and everyone of your fears

v  Clarify and examine one’s values, principles and priorities

(5) Prioritize Spiritual Growth and Personal Development

v  Foster a vibrant relationship with God

v  Don’t confuse rituals with relationship

v  Spirituality receives the “leftovers” of time, money and one’s other resources and energies

v  Possesses a poor understanding of service to God and humankind

v  Commit to daily and weekly spiritual maintenance

v  Prayer

v  Meditation

v  Daily Quiet Time

v  Daily Devotional Time

v  Daily Bible Study

v  Corporate Christian Education

v  Attend spiritual and personal growth sessions

v  Read relevant books

v  Counseling

v  Join a supplementary group

v  Practice good stewardship of health and body

v  Practice good stewardship of time and money

v  Take regular inventories of assets and liabilities

v  Commit to a hobby

v  Give attention to all components of self

v  Mind - Learning

v  Heart - Love of God, self and others

v  Soul - Imagination

v  Spirit – Acquiring the love and personality of God

v  Body – Health, Diet, Sleep and Exercise

v  Psyche – Character Development

v  Will – Goals and Dreams