God has a great future for His people. Coming into that future challenges our past and present conditions. There is always a price for progress. But the price for progress is nothing in comparison to the price of stagnation. The truth is, we are either paying the price for moving ahead into the upward call of Christ Jesus in our lives, or we are paying the price for drawing back from that challenge. In quick reflection, wouldn't you rather pay for something you get, than pay for something you loose?

Here are three thoughts for understanding the price of progress that need to be considered before we begin moving into new things.

1. Often, what already exists is the main obstacle to what needs to exist.
2. Often, what already exists is very costly to replace.
3. What already exists must be moved out of the way or destroyed if it is in the way of what needs to exist.

Seven things that can help promote progress, whether it be personal spiritual growth, ministry or church growth, or any other area that we desire to see progress in.

1. Realize that the old cannot contain the new. (Mark 2:21-22)
2. Realize that our old ways have to go before the new ones can come. (Col 3:9)
3. Realize that old ways of thinking can no longer serve as instructor, we need our mind renewed to walk after the things of God. (Rom 12:1-2)
4. Know that the truth is in Jesus, and that we get our realities concerning our future from His truth, not from our past or present circumstances or experiences. (Eph 4:21)
5. Realize the importance of the life of your mind. Progress comes from the way we think. (Eph 4:22-24)
6. Get a new perspective. Let the things that stand in the way of progress be counted as rubbish, rather than precious treasures to be protected and defended. (Phil 3:7-8)
7. Adopt a life style of progress. (Phil 3:13)

As a final thought, I submit to you that the God we serve is a progressive God, as seen throughout Bible history, and indicated throughout Bible prophecy. Secondly, mankind, created in His likeness, is also progressive in many vital ways. As Christians, we have every advantage to progress into the good and wonderful plans of God for our lives.

So lets do it!