Is there an excessive emphasis on cleverness in what we're doing?
As the year 2025 begins, renowned mentor and author Peter Mead encourages a "back to basics" approach for personal growth and ministry. This method, which involves simplifying one's life and focus by returning to fundamental principles, has gained attention in spiritual circles.
In a world where time-saving technology continues to dominate, the importance of meaningful relationships becomes more significant. Spending time with loved ones, such as spouses, children, key friends, and other meaningful relationships, is beneficial for overall well-being. Activities like going for a walk with your spouse, playing with your child, having lunch with your teen, or spending downtime with a friend can be important in fostering these connections.
Peter Mead, a mentor at Cor Deo and author, suggests focusing on four basic questions: what is God like? What does it mean to be human? What is our problem? What is God's solution to our problem? By pursuing better answers to these questions, one can lead to abundant fruit in all aspects of life.
In the realm of personal growth, a "back to basics" approach typically involves engaging consistently in simple, foundational practices like meditation, prayer, or reflective journaling. Cultivating presence and awareness in daily life rather than distraction or complexity is also crucial. Removing unnecessary complexity, distractions, or external influences that cloud one’s true nature is another key aspect of this method.
Gently yet rigorously examining one’s beliefs, thoughts, and habits to foster authenticity and growth is also essential. Reconnecting with natural rhythms or universal truths as a grounding element can provide additional benefits.
For spiritual health and effective ministry, hearing from God, praying, worshiping, and investing in relationships with other believers are essential. Overcomplicating solutions to problems may not be beneficial, and focusing on the basics can lead to significant changes.
As we embark on a new year, taking this opportunity to reassess the basics of life can lead to significant personal growth and ministry success. If you're interested in learning more about Peter Mead's work, his blogs can be found at Biblical Preaching.
- Besides technology, the significance of maintaining meaningful relationships, such as those with family members, friends, or spouse, in terms of health-and-wellness cannot be overemphasized.
- In the sphere of personal growth and ministry, Peter Mead suggests adhering to fundamental principles by focusing on fundamental questions like what is God like, what does it mean to be human, what is our problem, and what is God's solution to our problem.
- A holistic approach to personal growth often includes engaging in simple and foundational practices such as meditation, prayer, or reflective journaling, as well as cultivating presence and awareness.
- For mental health, spiritual health, and effective parenting, practices like hearing from God, praying, and establishing relationships with other believers are essential.
- In addition to these practices, reconnecting with natural rhythms or universal truths can provide a grounding element for personal growth, education-and-self-development, and lifestyle changes.
