Why Personal Growth Feels Empty Without Jesus | Faith-Based Growth Blog
Why Personal Growth & Development Feels Empty Without Jesus
It’s a beautiful autumn morning here in Minnesota. There are still lots of crisp yellows and oranges out there as the maples and poplar trees show off a little bit more. The oak trees around us are wearing that dark, rusty brown and red. I was thinking about my Grandpa Bert and his woodpile from my childhood. There weren’t a ton of times that I helped him throw wood down for his winter stores, but each time was precious. The smell of that sour oak brings me right back to those moments.
So why am I thinking of personal growth & development right now? Maybe because, like stacking wood for winter, building a life of faith requires effort, but only with the right foundation.
There are so many self-help and personal growth books out there, am I right? I’ve started about a million of them (and maybe finished fifteen… anyone else have squirrel syndrome?
🐿️ 😄
I love learning and growing, but what I’ve realized over time is this: personal growth without Jesus feels empty. You can fill your mind with motivation, discipline, and mindset tools, but without Him, it’s all just noise.
I remember back in the 90s when Jesse Ventura made fun of Christians, calling faith a crutch, even saying it about his own wife. And I remember thinking, “Well yeah, it’s a crutch. That’s exactly the point!” We need Him. I can’t walk through this life without leaning on my Savior. Without Him, all the self-improvement in the world still leaves me hollow inside. And it’s hard enough as it is to grow & change. Without a Helper, it’s plain HARD.
This week, as I was studying John chapter 15 and the Holy Spirit, I was reminded of how personal and powerful He is. I think sometimes we forget that the Holy Spirit isn’t just some vague “presence.” He is God, living inside of us, our Helper, our Teacher, our Comforter.
Fun fact: the English language doesn’t have a word to properly describe the Holy Spirit. Dr. Tony Evans shared that the Greek name used in John 15 is parakletos. No single English translation captures its full meaning. Some translations render it as Counselor, Comforter, Helper, or Advocate. I kinda love that! No one can put God in a box. Even His name, “Holy Spirit,” can’t fully capture His depth. And yes, He wants to help me! I am awed.
When He opens my eyes to Scripture, I see things I never noticed before. When He convicts me, it’s not shame, it’s loving correction that draws me back to Jesus. When I feel tired, unseen, or overwhelmed, He meets me there.
That’s what the world can’t offer. Motivation can’t comfort you at 2 a.m. when your heart’s broken. A podcast can’t fill that ache deep in your soul. The Bible is the ultimate guide in any self-help journey. I can’t do this on my own. But He can. And I’ll be honest, I still struggle with a consistent prayer life. I wish I could say I never get distracted or lazy in my quiet time, but I do. I sin every single day. Multiple times. Yet, as I told my little kindergarten AWANA kiddos this week, He still loves me! He still loves them. Isn’t that wild? His love doesn’t depend on how perfectly we show up. It rests on who He is.
So I keep showing up, even on the messy days. I’ll keep letting Him sand off my rough edges, grow my character, and teach me how to live more like Him. Because real growth isn’t about being a better version of me, it’s about becoming more like Him.
REFLECT: Where have you been trying to “grow” on your own? How might inviting the Holy Spirit into that area change everything?
A Simple Challenge for the Week: Before you dive into another book, podcast, or planner, pause and pray: “Holy Spirit, show me what You want to grow in me this week.” Then listen. Maybe He wants to teach you patience through your kids. Maybe He’s nudging you to forgive someone. Or maybe He’s simply asking you to rest and be still.
Growth with Jesus is never wasted time. It’s sacred ground.
A Simple Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me right where I am, even when I’m inconsistent, distracted, or running on my own strength. Teach me to walk with You, not ahead of You. Holy Spirit, guide me this week. Open my heart to what You want to grow in me. Remind me that real transformation only happens when You lead the way. Amen.
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