"My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I'm telling you this so that no one will be able to deceive you with persuasive arguments." - Colossians 2:2-4

I read a great article on The 10 Questions To Ask To Make Sure You're Still Growing. And I realized I was lacking in some areas, actually - I was lacking in all areas. Looking back over the past few months, I see that I'm still the same person I was then. I still do the same things, and I still know the same things... But that's not God's plan for us! He wants to bring us closer to Him, he wants us to grow in our knowledge and love for Him.

No one makes a friend with someone they like, gets to know them a little, and then decides that's as far as they need to go in that friendship. People don't think, "I know enough about them, and they know enough about me so we don't need to do any more together or get to know each other anymore, we will just stay friends like this forever." No, of course not! If you meet someone that you enjoy spending time with, you want to get to know them better and you want to do more and more with them. Making friends isn't about having someone to call a friend, it's about having a friend. It's about finding people that will become a part of your life and that will help you.

That is what your relationship with Christ is. (Only better!) When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are inviting Him into your life. You are saying, "I believe what you did for me on the cross, and I want you to be the Lord of my life". (and I want to know you better.)

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down deep into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with Thanksgiving for all he has done. - Colossians 2:6-7

We need that nourishment from Him to grow - we need to take our walk with Christ to the next level. It's time to stop being a sick little tree, and start drawing from God's wisdom and power to transform us into a mighty oak. Trees with shallow roots are easily killed and blown over by the wind, but a tree with a deep taproot can withstand the wind and pull from the ground the water to survive the scorching heat.

So after thinking about this, I realized the way we can grow to know Him more - communication. Just like with a friend, or loved one, you have to communicate with them to get anywhere. (I don't know about you, but just staring at someone has never really helped me.) God is the same way, you need to talk to Him and hear what he has say. We need to pray and read God's word; the Bible. Through God's word, He speaks to us, so if we never read God's word - how are we supposed to know what he says? And by the same token, we need to talk to Him through prayer. It is not that God doesn't know what you need or what you're thinking - it's just that He is waiting for you to ask Him for it. God wants to bless you, but he won't force something on you without you're asking.

You know, I spend a lot of time on the computer - a LOT - and yet I don't have much to show for most of it. The same thing with TV or movies, what has it really gained me? Is the world a better place now? Do I understand God better? Have I made more friends? Do I have a better portfolio? - No, the only thing I got out of it was temporary enjoyment. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not going to stop watching movies and going on the computer, but as I looked at how I spent my time it occurred to me what I could do better. How much of my day is spent growing my walk with my Creator? 15 minutes, 5 minutes, or even 5 seconds? Really, how am I going to grow without ever planting any roots?

So, I'm sick of being pushed around by the wind; it's time to start growing. Starting today, I'm going to make it my goal to spend time reading God's word before I go on the computer. I'm going to spend that 15 minutes, 1/96th of my day, saying, "God what do you want to show me today?". And I don't care what excuse Satan comes up with as to why something else is more important, or why I can skip reading the Bible today, I'm going to stick with it. Because nothing is more important than my relationship, my eternal relationship, with God. (No, not even that job-offer email you have been waiting for from Bill Gates)

Four in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the lord over every ruler and authority in the universe. - Colossians 2:9-10

By the way, if you are looking for more ways to spend time with God, I recommend listening to the Thru the Bible Mp3's while in the gym, having prayer time on that long drive to work, and finding a weekday Bible Study. Plus, wherever else you could fit something in. Remember, if something is important to you - you'll find the time... ;)

So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holidays or new moon ceremonies or Sabbath's. For these rules were only shadows of the real thing, Christ himself. Don't let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial. And don't let anyone say you must worship angels, even though they say they've had visions about this. These people claimed to be so humble but their sinful minds have made them proud. But they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For we are joined together in his body by strong sinews, and we grow only as we get our nourishment and strength from God. - Colossians 2:16-19

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principals of the world, rather than according to Christ. - Colossians 2:8