Many so-called Christian leaders have made inadequate progress, having become content with their spiritual walk. In the same way, many believers have settled for immaturity as the norm. And many have lost the zeal for spiritual growth. Maybe they never had it.
After years of a successful ministry and a close relationship with God, the Apostle Paul said, “…Not that I claim to have achieved all this, nor to have reached perfection already. But I keep going on, trying to grasp the purpose for which Christ Jesus grasped me” (Philippians 3:12 Phillips).
There are continual and increasing strides for Christ-likeness in every healthy believer. Every Christian should be dissatisfied with living an ordinary existence. Instead, we should possess a deep desire to press on to know God and reflect His nature.
The truth is everyone has the potential for progress. God has not been partial, giving to one a special ability to progress, and to another the destiny of spiritual immaturity. There is within each one of us the potential ability for tremendous spiritual growth. Everyone has the right and ability to become a giant for God. We must recognize our potential for growth and progress.
The way we see ourselves in Christ sets the boundary for increase in our lives. Notice James 1:22-25:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
When we begin to see ourselves as God sees us, we unlock limitless ability in our lives. As we begin to truly believe that we are forgiven and pure in God’s sight, we realize that we are loved and accepted into the family of God.
We have become an heir of all God’s riches. We have been freed from the dominion of sin and death. This is the real “natural man” that we see in the mirror of God’s Word.
We cannot be like those who continue to look at what they are not, instead of what God says they are. We must not dwell on our lack and past failures instead of God’s ability to make our future successful. When God reveals the possibilities, we cannot be so cluttered with negativism and ungoverned emotions that we fail to grasp what He has planned for us. When we change the way we think about ourselves, we will begin to mold a new and positive future.
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.