The Life Core · Section 1

5. The Thrust of Life

Life has an inward drive to grow, mature, and fulfill the purpose placed within it by God.

Paul J. Bucknell

A seed does not need to be persuaded to become a plant. When life is present and the right conditions are supplied, growth presses forward. Spiritual life also carries a God-given impulse toward Christlikeness and fruitful service.

Believers may be hindered by sin, fear, poor teaching, or neglect, but the answer is not endless external pressure. Wise training removes obstacles, supplies truth and encouragement, and helps people cooperate with the Spirit’s work.

Leaders should learn to recognize and support this thrust of life. The goal is not to control every detail of another person’s development, but to cultivate conditions in which God’s life can flourish.

Core Teaching

  • God’s life carries an impulse toward growth and fruitfulness.
  • Obstacles can suppress growth without destroying God’s purpose.
  • Training should cultivate growth rather than rely on control.

Reflect and Apply

  1. What is presently encouraging your spiritual growth?
  2. Which obstacle most suppresses the life God wants to express through you?
  3. How can you cultivate rather than control another believer’s growth?