Growing into a better version of ourselves is generally a good thing. But it also comes with risks. Not everyone will like who we’re becoming and this might bring an end to some relationships.
Of course there are seasons in which we accept our mismatched growth. But profound differences might become a deal breaker for the relationship.
We can understand the risk of immaturity.
There’s a general expectation we will continue growing. And it’s only reasonable to expect others to modify our relationship status when we don’t uphold our part of this deal.
What’s more difficult to understand is the tension and grief that often comes when we mature in a positive direction.
Growth by its very nature disrupts the status quo. We grow out of our old way of being and into a new way of doing life.
And individuals particularly fond of our old self might not take too kindly to us changing the dance on them.
If they’re not ready for change they will pressure, guilt, and shame us back into our old ways. And this is not so much to hold us back as it is to keep themselves comfortable.
We must then decide if our growth is worth it.
Is who we’re becoming worth the potential loss of relationships?
This is not an easy question – particularly with relationships we’ve invested many years.
But part of living with integrity is refusing to shortchange who God has called us to be. We count the cost of our journey as we step in faith toward God’s best for us – trusting the outcome to him.
Unfortunately, this occasionally means leaving some relationships behind. But God remains faithful even here.
There are risks to growth. But trust the journey God has called you to and stay committed. The journey is worth the risk.
Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash
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