is it wrong to try to grow spiritually too fast?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
R

rdbseekingafterhim

Guest
#1
#1
I am trying my best to make sure I put Jesus first in my life. I have set aside time everyday to reading my Bible. I pray daily at every opportunity I have to do so. I listen to only Christian music. I also constantly research things like spiritual gifts and fruits for example. I also witness to almost everyone I meet. I was curious can we try to grow faster than God wants us to. In other words is it considered wrong to press fervently to seek Him and grow quickly. Should we slow down and follow His pace. I want to be sure I'm putting Him first and not going outside His will for my life.
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#2
#2
Well if God is directing you in a certain way, and you are doing it Your way, that's not His will. And that's a frequent problem among Christians. They don't want to wait on God they want it on Their time. But this is a prideful attitude as it suggests that you know what's best, more so than God does, so you don't want to be held back by God.

Abram did this in the OT. God promised him and his wife a son. They were old and past normal child bearing years and when nothing was happening Abram took things into his own hands. He got his servant pregnant. Well, this was not Gods plan and God did not recognize this a having His promise fulfilled. So all the things promised to Abrams son were Not given to this child. Later God gave Abram and his wife the son they promised.
The servant was angry about her not getting all of the things God promised but adopted the attitude it was her sons right because her son was Abrams. This is the foundation of the Muslim religion. So pushing for your time frame is not staying in Gods will.
Gods timing is in place for a reason. He can see what we can't and His pace is there because He knows what's best for us. We just think we know, but there's so much we can't see that God can.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#3
Aug 28, 2012
19,211
2,547
113
#3
Roger my friend for one who has been saved less than two weeks you show a lot of strength and wisdom.
I would like to explain my personal experience in what your going through, you see I know the hunger and the thirst all to well I long for him I crave and deeply desire to know him and to have him to have a much deeper love and bond and connection with him so much so that I always feel underfed enough is never enough and so I seek him out in any way I can every day all day just as you are.

The hunger and thirst for more of him is indeed a great thing but we tend to get impatient. You are walking the correct path all you have to remember is that it's a slow and steady climb. Believe me nothing tickles his heart more than a hungry and eager child but while we must seek him out everyday and in any way we can we also have to realize that this takes time
 
M

MollyConnor

Guest
#4
#4
I think it's great that you're willing to do all that. It means you're excited and I don't see anything wrong with it. However, if you feel inside that you are moving too fast or that God doesn't want you to move that fast, maybe you should pray about it. You don't want to burn yourself out either.

If you feel good about it, then you're fine.
Sometimes doing a quick 180 is necessary. Take at look at Paul's example. Within a few minutes he turned from a cold hearted killer to one of the most influential Christians the world has ever known.
 
Sirk

Sirk

Banned
#5
Mar 2, 2016
8,896
112
0
#5
[h=3]A Time for Everything[/h]3 For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
2 A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
6 A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
 
Joidevivre

Joidevivre

Senior Member
#6
Jul 15, 2014
3,838
271
83
#6
As Sirk mentioned, there are seasons to our growth. I believe the impulse to throw yourself into study, etc. is God led. As long as you are not neglecting the people in your life. Obviously, you need to drink deeply of God at this time.

I think you will find that eventually this spiritual fervor will subdue a little, and you will enjoy the things of creation such as travel, books not necessarily of a spiritual nature, gardens, mountains, beaches, and the work that you are gifted with to do in a new way. And just plain have fun with people.

As for witnessing, naturally you want everyone you meet to see what you see. However, this calls for discernment and prayer before you do. You should be led by the Holy Spirit in prayer, not by your own feelings. He will give you the wisdom with this. Some people need you to listen to them first. In other words, show in some way that you accept them before they will receive what you have to say.

We can talk and talk about Jesus being real to us, but unless these other things are in the picture, it can be a turn off. And only the Holy Spirit knows when a heart is open to receive. We waste our time trying to convince people of what they should believe. We are to speak to their hearts when we discern they are seeking.
 
seed_time_harvest

seed_time_harvest

Senior Member
#7
Dec 9, 2011
13,714
1,722
113
#7
rdbseekingafterhim said:
I am trying my best to make sure I put Jesus first in my life. I have set aside time everyday to reading my Bible. I pray daily at every opportunity I have to do so. I listen to only Christian music. I also constantly research things like spiritual gifts and fruits for example. I also witness to almost everyone I meet. I was curious can we try to grow faster than God wants us to. In other words is it considered wrong to press fervently to seek Him and grow quickly. Should we slow down and follow His pace. I want to be sure I'm putting Him first and not going outside His will for my life.
Click to expand...
Thats a good thing as long as Its a labor of love and not a strain.
We love because GOD first loved us.
 
C

Church2u2

Guest
#8
#8
rdbseekingafterhim said:
I am trying my best to make sure I put Jesus first in my life. I have set aside time everyday to reading my Bible. I pray daily at every opportunity I have to do so. I listen to only Christian music. I also constantly research things like spiritual gifts and fruits for example. I also witness to almost everyone I meet. I was curious can we try to grow faster than God wants us to. In other words is it considered wrong to press fervently to seek Him and grow quickly. Should we slow down and follow His pace. I want to be sure I'm putting Him first and not going outside His will for my life.
Click to expand...
I can't tell you what to do in this situation. I'm just encouraged that you're as we say in my neck of the woods "fired up " for the Lord. It's a good thing. We need more fired up Saints. I believe this is how it was in the Acts church ..when people were excited about the things of the Lord. I'd just advice you to stay prayerful and get plenty of rest when your body needs it. Stay encouraged. God bless you. Your post made my day.
 
R

rdbseekingafterhim

Guest
#9
#9
Thanks for all the comments. I need to get a little more rest than I do. However, I don't want a similar situation happen to me when Jesus asked his disciples to pray and they chose sleep over His command to pray. I know He wants us to put Him first I also know He wants us to have proper rest too. I'm still working out the balance so I don't pass out from exhaustion.

I tend to stay up late in the word praying and seeking more wisdom to fuel my walk. I need to take better care of my body. However the Master's work is never done. I want to be ready to serve at a moment's notice know what I mean?


A fired up Christian shouldn't be that big a deal. Our love should be an overpowering burning desire to serve and be in His presence. What other people do is between them and the Lord. When it comes to me though I feel my desire for Him is still not strong enough. He gave up everything to save humanity. I only want to do the same give up everything for Him.

I'm not doing it because I have to or expect anything in return. I'm not even trying to repay the debt He covered I do it out of undying love. His love surpasses all comprehension. I give it my all, all I can give. I don't expect anything in return. He may choose to bless me, but it's not required I don't deserve it.

His grace is so magnificent. I have adopted the phrase It's not religion it's devotion. Undying loyalty to my Lord is what I'm all about.
 
F

FreeNChrist

Guest
#10
#10
rdbseekingafterhim said:
I am trying my best to make sure I put Jesus first in my life. I have set aside time everyday to reading my Bible. I pray daily at every opportunity I have to do so. I listen to only Christian music. I also constantly research things like spiritual gifts and fruits for example. I also witness to almost everyone I meet. I was curious can we try to grow faster than God wants us to. In other words is it considered wrong to press fervently to seek Him and grow quickly. Should we slow down and follow His pace. I want to be sure I'm putting Him first and not going outside His will for my life.
Click to expand...

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Gal. 5:25


 
C

Church2u2

Guest
#11
#11
rdbseekingafterhim said:
Thanks for all the comments. I need to get a little more rest than I do. However, I don't want a similar situation happen to me when Jesus asked his disciples to pray and they chose sleep over His command to pray. I know He wants us to put Him first I also know He wants us to have proper rest too. I'm still working out the balance so I don't pass out from exhaustion.

I tend to stay up late in the word praying and seeking more wisdom to fuel my walk. I need to take better care of my body. However the Master's work is never done. I want to be ready to serve at a moment's notice know what I mean?


A fired up Christian shouldn't be that big a deal. Our love should be an overpowering burning desire to serve and be in His presence. What other people do is between them and the Lord. When it comes to me though I feel my desire for Him is still not strong enough. He gave up everything to save humanity. I only want to do the same give up everything for Him.

I'm not doing it because I have to or expect anything in return. I'm not even trying to repay the debt He covered I do it out of undying love. His love surpasses all comprehension. I give it my all, all I can give. I don't expect anything in return. He may choose to bless me, but it's not required I don't deserve it.

His grace is so magnificent. I have adopted the phrase It's not religion it's devotion. Undying loyalty to my Lord is what I'm all about.
Click to expand...
Here is a scripture that may encourage you.1st Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord forasmuch as ye know that your Labour is not in vain in the Lord.) I don't even know you but as I said your post has made my day. Stay Up in the Lord.I'm praying for you and Jesus loves you.Peace2U.
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#12
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
0
71
#12
rdbseekingafterhim said:
I am trying my best to make sure I put Jesus first in my life. I have set aside time everyday to reading my Bible. I pray daily at every opportunity I have to do so. I listen to only Christian music. I also constantly research things like spiritual gifts and fruits for example. I also witness to almost everyone I meet. I was curious can we try to grow faster than God wants us to. In other words is it considered wrong to press fervently to seek Him and grow quickly. Should we slow down and follow His pace. I want to be sure I'm putting Him first and not going outside His will for my life.
Click to expand...
I don’t know if you should testify to everyone you meet:

Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. Matt 7:6 RSV

And you should do the Lord’s will, not your own will. Still, I’d hate to see you lose your enthusiasm. And remember that prayer can be a constant thing – a constant conversation. You don’t have to stop what you are doing to talk to the Lord.
 
R

rdbseekingafterhim

Guest
#13
#13
You all make valid points. Thank you.
 
C

Church2u2

Guest
#14
#14
resurrection33 said:
I don’t know if you should testify to everyone you meet:

Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. Matt 7:6 RSV

And you should do the Lord’s will, not your own will. Still, I’d hate to see you lose your enthusiasm. And remember that prayer can be a constant thing – a constant conversation. You don’t have to stop what you are doing to talk to the Lord.
Click to expand...
Yes..you're right about that because some people might not recieve the gospel when we go out and witness.And they can be insulting and discouraging. But still it's good to try. There is a scripture telling us what to do in a situation like that..something about if they do not receive the gospel in that city then shake the dust off and move on...something like that. I'll have to look it up and post it . I still want to encourage the O.P though.I like the enthusiasm.Praise God.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#15
Aug 28, 2012
19,211
2,547
113
#15
rdbseekingafterhim said:
Thanks for all the comments. I need to get a little more rest than I do. However, I don't want a similar situation happen to me when Jesus asked his disciples to pray and they chose sleep over His command to pray. I know He wants us to put Him first I also know He wants us to have proper rest too. I'm still working out the balance so I don't pass out from exhaustion.

I tend to stay up late in the word praying and seeking more wisdom to fuel my walk. I need to take better care of my body. However the Master's work is never done. I want to be ready to serve at a moment's notice know what I mean?


A fired up Christian shouldn't be that big a deal. Our love should be an overpowering burning desire to serve and be in His presence. What other people do is between them and the Lord. When it comes to me though I feel my desire for Him is still not strong enough. He gave up everything to save humanity. I only want to do the same give up everything for Him.

I'm not doing it because I have to or expect anything in return. I'm not even trying to repay the debt He covered I do it out of undying love. His love surpasses all comprehension. I give it my all, all I can give. I don't expect anything in return. He may choose to bless me, but it's not required I don't deserve it.

His grace is so magnificent. I have adopted the phrase It's not religion it's devotion. Undying loyalty to my Lord is what I'm all about.
Click to expand...
A fired up Christian shouldn't be that big a deal. Our love should be an overpowering burning desire to serve and be in His presence. wow just wow Roger can I have your permission to make this a part of my signature? And also you would be surprised how few among the Christian community know this fire. What I love is your fire isn't just that flame one gets when their are first saved it's a deep love and passion for him a hunger for him a willingness to serve and to find him I still cannot express how happy I am that God is working so strongly within you and I know I keep saying things like this about you but I just can't help it I have never met someone especially so brand new in faith who has the same if not stronger love and passion fire and hunger for him and I certainly have never met anyone whom the spirit is so alive in if you recall in one of my first pm's to you that I prayed for God to give you a double portion of what he gave me and that i told God you were going to be a strong one.
 
H

HisHolly

Guest
#16
#16
Do guard against getting discouraged. Bc you will find a lot of people as you go will not be as zealous or on fire as you are..
After time it does wear on people and like Elijah, they feel alone.
Don't be hard on yourself if you bump into a wall.. A lot is learned thru personal experiences.
God is faithful, always
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#17
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
0
71
#17
Church2u2 said:
Yes..you're right about that because some people might not recieve the gospel when we go out and witness.And they can be insulting and discouraging. But still it's good to try. There is a scripture telling us what to do in a situation like that..something about if they do not receive the gospel in that city then shake the dust off and move on...something like that. I'll have to look it up and post it . I still want to encourage the O.P though.I like the enthusiasm.Praise God.
Click to expand...
One other thing - though. We don't want to make nuisances of ourselves. In our enthusiasm we can "overpower" a person. We should avoid that.
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#18
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
0
71
#18
Church2u2 said:
Yes..you're right about that because some people might not recieve the gospel when we go out and witness.And they can be insulting and discouraging. But still it's good to try. There is a scripture telling us what to do in a situation like that..something about if they do not receive the gospel in that city then shake the dust off and move on...something like that. I'll have to look it up and post it . I still want to encourage the O.P though.I like the enthusiasm.Praise God.
Click to expand...
And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Matt 10:14 RSV
 
R

rdbseekingafterhim

Guest
#19
#19
When I witness what I do most of the time goes like this.

Hi do you go to Church anywhere? If they say yes I say wonderful. I tell them a brief testimony. I then ask if they have accepted Jesus if they say no I tell them how if they say yes I say excellent. Have a wonderful day God bless.

Now if they don't attend church though I tell them about my church. I say it's not like any church I've ever attended and the Spirit of God moves through it. They might say they won't go for whatever reason. I say why not check it out just once you might be surprised. If they refuse I say well if you ever change your mind it's located at such and such. I also find out if they've accepted Jesus too.

My responses vary depending on what they say, how they say it, and body language. You can generally tell if they are being receptive. I used to be a salesman in the electronic department. However, I wasn't one of the pushy ones. I answered questions they had and made recommendations due to input they gave me. I would tell them the best opitions to go with given the situation. Witnessing isn't much different than fishing and being a salesman. You have to reel them in with the right bait. True you have those that are closed minded and refuse to even listen. To those I just say well have a great day and God Bless You. I allow God to take it from there.
 
R

rdbseekingafterhim

Guest
#20
#20
Blain you can use my words in a signature if you like. I can't help it. God is just so good to us why anyone would want to be a spectator is baffling to me. Time is drawing short my friends and we need to act like it. I definitely don't want to see my friends and family die spiritually if I can help it. My love for humanity causes me to want to save them all through Jesus. It's a daunting task that may never get accomplished but remember it makes a difference to every person saved in the blood of the lamb. So don't despair my friends share with everyone you meet. Because you might be the last person they ever see. No one is promised the next hour. Whosoever will my friends whosoever will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. God bless you all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.