Decide to Thrive: Youth EditionSample

The Growth Decision: God’s Design for Growth

God created every person with three parts—spirit, soul, and body. The spirit is the part of you that connects directly with God. The soul is where your thoughts, emotions, and decisions happen. And the body is the physical part that interacts with the world around you.

Before knowing Jesus, the spirit is “asleep,” and people are led by their soul and body. But when someone becomes a Christian, their spirit comes alive and connects with God. But the soul—your thoughts, emotions, and decisions—needs time to adjust. Growth is a process, not a quick fix. Paul reminds believers in Romans 12:2 to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This transformation happens when old ways of thinking are replaced with God’s truth.

Growth is like planting a seed—it takes time, care, and the right conditions to thrive. The same is true spiritually. At first, believers are like babies, needing to learn and grow. Over time, with prayer, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit, believers grow stronger and start making choices that align with God’s will instead of their old habits.

Growth is a choice. God wants every part of life—spirit, soul, and body—to thrive. But growth requires effort. It means choosing to spend time with God, learn from His Word, and let Him shape thoughts, emotions, and actions. Healthy things grow, and God’s plan is for no one to stay stuck in the same place spiritually.

Reflection: What habits or thoughts keep you from growing spiritually?