Are You Still Growing or Staying the Same

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”
(Hebrews 5:11)

Have you ever noticed how your level of interest affects how much you learn and grow? I think back to high school algebra and how many students struggled to engage because they couldn’t yet see the purpose. Put those same people in a situation like learning to drive or even skydiving, and suddenly they become fully attentive, absorbing every detail because it matters to them. The reality is that we are motivated to learn what we care about, and that hunger fuels growth because it changes how we listen, retain, and respond.

Spiritually, the same principle applies. The writer of Hebrews warns about becoming dull of hearing, a condition where our spiritual ears grow fuzzy because we stop listening with interest and expectation. When God’s Word becomes something we hear but don’t apply, it slowly turns into theory instead of life. Growth requires more than exposure; it requires engagement—a willingness to take what we hear and put it into practice. This is where real transformation begins, as we move from simply listening to becoming doers, allowing truth to shape the way we live day by day.

I’ve also learned that growth requires consistency because if you don’t use what you know, you begin to lose it. I remember washing dishes in France to help pay for school and picking up the language along the way, only to return years later and realize how much I had forgotten because I hadn’t continued using it. In the same way, Scripture reminds us that we are meant to move beyond simply receiving truth and begin sharing it with others, growing from spiritual milk into deeper, sustaining nourishment. As we stay grounded in the basics and continue living them out, we mature, and our lives begin to overflow, shifting us from receivers to givers who influence others.

Bold Step Challenge:
Take time this week to identify one truth from God’s Word that you’ve heard but not fully applied. Then make a clear decision to live it out in a practical way, allowing your hunger for growth to turn knowledge into action.

Prayer:
Lord, awaken a deeper hunger in me to grow and not remain stagnant. Help me listen with intention and apply Your Word in my everyday life so it becomes real and active within me. Keep my heart engaged, my spirit responsive, and lead me into maturity as I follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listen to the sermon: Growth and Change

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

As you take your next step in faith, I want to personally share something that’s been on my heart. I’ve been working on a new resource called Tenacious: Living a Faith That Outlives You.

I wrote this study through 2 Timothy because I see how easy it is to feel pulled in different directions in our culture right now. Paul’s words to Timothy are deeply personal—he’s passing on wisdom to help him stay grounded, live with courage, and not lose his way. Honestly, I believe we need that same kind of clarity today.

Whether you’re just beginning your walk with God or you’ve followed Him for years, my prayer is that this book will help you build a faith that holds steady and impacts the people around you.

Along with the study, you can walk through all nine video teachings and a practical discussion guide to help you process and apply what God is showing you. I’d love for you to take some time with it. You can find it here.