I once heard a story about a very wealthy man, well-known in his community. One day, near the beach where he lived, onlookers saw him walking into the water to drown himself. A young man dived in to help; they both struggled, but he finally dragged the man back to land. While they were catching their breaths, the young man expected a word of thanks. Instead, the man looked up and asked, "Why did you save me?" The youth replied, "I had to save you. You were dying!" At that moment, he realized this was no accident; it was a deliberate plan. The man continued, "You should have allowed me to die." "You?" the young man asked in disbelief. "You are the most prominent person in this community. We all envy you—the cars, the house, and your wealth. We all want to be like you." The man replied, "That is the problem". He had immense wealth but no inner satisfaction. Living everyday in frustration he could no longer handle, he believed the only solution was to end his life.

I shared this to say that true progress in life is not found in things; it is found in the quality of the person you are becoming. Only God can alter the state of a human spirit. You cannot improve the quality of your life without the Word of God, because only the Word of God can condition your spirit. The Bible says, "The entrance of thy words giveth light…" (Psalm 119:130). When light enters your spirit, confusion leaves.

You don't grow by going to church, or by being born again. You don't grow because you are a member of a church. You grow by the quality of the Word of God you put in your spirit. The Bible says, "…desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" (1 Peter 2:2). God's Word grows your spirit. It makes you a better person. It changes you from inside. Before long, you begin to live above sickness, sin, and trouble. You become a champion in life. God's Word develops your spirit. Only the Word of God can upgrade you. You can become a better person-such that there are things you can't think about or say again.

Don't make progress in things and neglect your personality. Who are you becoming? You may have a car, a house, or be married. You may have everything, but still live in fear. Your tomorrow is not certain. There are many thoughts in your mind. It is because of the level you are at. Stop chasing only things. Start building your spirit. Feed on God's Word daily. Let it correct you, shape you, and grow you. When your spirit grows, your life rises. Become the kind of person God can trust with blessings. Grow from inside out.