Growth.

It's something we all want, whether we're talking about our grandkids, our gardens, or our walk with Jesus. If you take a moment to look at your life, you’ll likely find something you're trying to grow—your faith, your family, your finances, or maybe even your sourdough starter (you know who you are). But real growth? It never just happens. It always requires intentionality.

Consider the difference between tending plants and making sourdough. Plants need the right balance of water, sun, and soil. Miss one, or get the proportions wrong, and it’s game over. Sourdough? It's like a weird refrigerator pet. Feed it flour and water, let it breathe, and if the oven is merciful, boom—bread. But you can't treat a plant like sourdough, or vice versa. And people? We're even more complex.

We need different things to grow: emotionally, physically, spiritually. And spiritual growth—real, deep transformation—requires both effort and a biblical strategy. That’s what the "Flow of Change" series has been all about: laying out the spiritual scaffolding that supports growth in Jesus.

Let’s revisit where this growth journey starts and where it’s meant to go.

Step One: Faith in Jesus

No real spiritual growth begins without first putting your faith in Jesus. You can do churchy things, learn the lingo, even memorize Bible verses. But until you personally trust Jesus as your Savior—recognizing your sin and resting in His finished work—you haven't really started the journey. Galatians makes it clear: we are justified not by works of the law, but through faith in Christ alone.

Step Two: Stay Rooted in the Gospel

The gospel isn't just the starting point. It’s the whole framework. The good news that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for us? That's not just a one-time truth. It's the anchor for everyday life. Our identity, our decisions, our relationships—all of it gets reshaped by this reality. Like Luther said, our hearts need gospel repair every single day.

Step Three: Engage the Gifts of Growth

God doesn’t leave us to grow on our own. He gives us what we need:

The Spirit of Jesus – the power source. Trying to grow without Him is like trying to toast bread without plugging in the toaster.

The Word of Jesus – not a substitute for the Spirit, but a companion. Scripture fuels clarity, conviction, and transformation.

The Church of Jesus – not optional. It’s where you get shaped, challenged, and encouraged in community. Lone-ranger Christianity always stunts growth.

Step Four: Aim for the Goal

All of this flows toward one aim: to be with Jesus, to be like Jesus, and to go make disciples of Jesus. That’s not just a slogan. It’s the biblical pattern of discipleship.

In first-century Israel, being invited to follow a rabbi was the ultimate honor. You didn’t just learn from your rabbi; you lived with him, mimicked him, and eventually went out to represent him. That’s exactly what Jesus modeled. He called His disciples to be with Him, shaped them to be like Him, and then commissioned them to go and do the same for others.

So Here’s the Question

You might be doing a lot of good spiritual things—praying, attending church, reading Scripture. But what’s your goal?

Do you want to be near Jesus, or with Him?

Do you want to look like Him, or just look spiritual?

Do you want to absorb truth, or pass it on?

The call of discipleship is clear: Be with Jesus. Be like Jesus. Make disciples of Jesus. In that order.

So wherever you are in your journey, take a minute to check your goals. Are they aligned with His? Because everything God has for you flows from that place.

And yes, even your sourdough starter can be a lesson in spiritual growth. 🥞