Spectrum Growth
As we begin to shift our growth framework away from linear growth into spectrum growth there are a few key things that have helped me to understand the shift.
1. Spectrum Growth has to be rooted. In order for any organism to grow, it must take root in something significant. Typically, this root has been talked about in terms of “DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.)” The conversation about DNA is crucial to what type of spectrum growth we will encounter. What information is located at your DNA level? For Missiongathering, our DNA exists in the life, death and resurrection of Christ for ALL. That grace was made available for ALL. This is where we can organically begin to grow our color spectrum and allow it to interact with other spectrums to form and shape our spiritual life.
2. Spectrum Growth vs. Spiritual Consumerism. There is a distinct difference between spectrum interaction and spiritual consumerism. Spiritual consumerism focuses on getting our needed “fix” from multiple places and expressions. Again, this is a linear type of consumption. Consumerism is only rooted in the need to “fit into” the already existing linear thought. Spectrum growth roots itself and allows multiple expressions to interact with our organic growth. It is not simply consuming, but instead digesting and integrating different sources of expression.
My spectrum’s colors and balance will look much different than yours, but will be rooted in the same way you are. Where do you root? What does your spectrum look like? How does it grow? How is it nourished? How does it interact with other’s spectrums?
May 27th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
great question, i cant say i have an immediate answer and im bummed i missed on sunday. im going to have to listen to the podcast and think this over a bit, and then post my thoughts; i just wanted to let you know i have read this blog and it has got me started thinking.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:10 am
3.14159265358979323846… (hehe)
May 28th, 2008 at 10:15 am
No, really though. I love this way of looking at growth. Especially the way we interact with one another and that shapes who we are. Brilliant way to look at things Jay!
May 28th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I think its tough to live out. Being shaped by something unfamiliar is a really un-arming experience. I know that I encounter it almost daily and have a choice to either accept it or reject the unfamiliar thing. I think more often than not, I reject it… but when I truly accept it, I can see the fruit of it almost immediately.
May 30th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I totally agree that what roots us is “the life, death and resurrection of Christ for ALL” but I think that the foundation, the DNA is so much more than just an abstract idea or set of beliefs.
I believe that the true DNA is not the idea, but the practical application of Grace. Both the Grace extended to us and the Grace that we must extend to others. I think specturm growth is really only realized through humility. Its not until we can live humbly (acknowledging that we don’t have all of the answers, that we fall in our own walks, and so often fail to share the grace that we have been given, without condidtions) that we have any hope of letting someone elses life change our own spectrum.
For me, I only come close to living this when I let Christ remind me of my own need of His grace and the fact that I have not, nor ever will be, deserving of it.
Grace to us all!