Move from “If” to “When”: A Better Way to Approach Growth
A practical Christian study of “Move from “If” to “When”: A Better Way to Approach Growth,” with clear application for faith, relationships, and everyday life.
"If" to "When"
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
The principle
And at that point, I was pretty convinced I would record this for you today, but then it got even better than that. I was writing my prayers to the Lord this morning, and I was communicating to God something that I knew I needed to do better in my life, and that I entirely believe that God will richly bless me if I do.
And so I started writing something like this if I will do this, and then I paused, and I actually went back with the pencil and erased it and wrote in its place, Lord, when I do this, I know that you will receive me and richly bless me.
The deeper lesson
It is about his goodness and the great blessing of what happens when I follow his paths. So while I am genuinely happy for you, I would still suggest that you work in whens or at least positive connotations, even in times of conflict.
But if you're someone who doesn't like all of this language manipulation softer approach stuff because of the way you were raised, but things are not going well presently with your kids, then I guess I would say, welcome to life, this important process by which you understand that in order to make the people around you better, you have to get better.
What it changes
I know I'm turning this into an entire episode on parenting, but Summer and I have tried this language a great many times over the years. When our six-year-old is in the room crying, we don't say, if you come out and you're still crying, you're going to get a spankin'.
We say, When you're ready to come out without crying, we'd love for you to come play a game with us.
Live it today
And if you're just in search of deeper Bible study or you want to share the message of Jesus with the children in your life, remember to go to creation2revelation.com. This wonderful company, run by Christians, provides beautiful illustrations of scripture from beginning to end, putting the spotlight on Jesus.
And remember this whatever you choose to do today in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, excel still more.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where do I see the problem or opportunity described in “Move from “If” to “When”: A Better Way to Approach Growth” in my own life?
- 02What Scripture or spiritual principle in this study most needs my attention?
- 03What one specific change can I make this week to put this teaching into practice?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.