Are you a self feeder?

Carey Nieuwhof March 30, 2023

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Question – who is responsible for your spiritual growth?

One of the things that breaks my heart in our self-serve culture is the observation that many North American Jesus-followers expect someone else to grow them spiritually. The number one question I hear church goers ask is "what's in it for me?" Should that be the #1 question?

Don't we have a responsibility as Christians to become self-feeders, people who realize that we have a personal role in growing our relationship with Jesus? Is our mission not other-centered rather than self-centered?

Is it actually true that, primarily, my spiritual growth is not your responsibility? To use an analogy, isn't that like saying that it's the gym's responsibility to help me lose weight and get in shape?

I can join a gym, hire a trainer, but if I don't actually show up, or if I choose not to exercise or go at it with half a heart, or work out like crazy and then go for burgers, fries and milkshakes, whose fault is it if I gain 20 pounds?

Is our job as a Christian community to provide the conditions for spiritual growth, but trust people to take the initiative to feed themselves spiritually, both individually and in community?

What I love about church is that we have people to encourage us, environments (like Sundays and community groups) to provide the stimulus to growth. All of that is fantastic. But I get this sinking feeling that many Jesus-followers in this generation haven't taken personal responsibility for the state of their relationship with God.

So tell me, am I crazy? Am I wrong on this? What do you do in your life that helps you grow in relationship with Jesus? What barriers do you face in the way to growing your faith personally every day?

This article was first published at careynieuwhof.com. Used with permission.

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Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. He’s the author of several best-selling books, including, Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects But Everyone Experiences. Carey speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change and personal growth. Learn More »

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