Thoughts on the Process of Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth always involves resistance—not because we’re failing, but because we’re developing strength.


Elder de Jager adds a vivid metaphor: our spiritual life is like a balloon rising upward.  
- “Just as the balloon can rise higher by throwing ballast overboard, so must a person be willing to rid himself of unnecessary ballast that limits his rise in spirituality.”

He names the common “ballast” that weighs us down:  
- Impatience — “Get rid of our sandbag of impatience… ‘continue in patience until ye are perfected.’”  
- Criticism — “Cease to find fault one with another.”  
- Unfriendliness — “Ye are my friends.”  
- Pride — “Inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours.”  
- Greed  
- Frustrations — “It is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men.”

The message is not “try harder.” It’s gentler and more hopeful:  
- “The only way we can move upward… is by doing away with the ballast that holds us back.”  
- “Take a close look at the ballast that prevents you from going to a higher level of performance. Make a decision and remove the restraining weight.”

And the promise is deeply personal and encouraging:  
- “I give you a solemn promise that if you do this, you will enjoy a feeling of spiritual euphoria because you will elevate yourself.”

🌟 What This Means if You Feel Burdened or Stuck

These teachings validate that feeling weighed down is part of the mortal experience, not a personal flaw. The Lord isn’t disappointed—He’s inviting a gentle release of the things that feel heavy.

You aren't failing. You're carrying ballast that feels real, and the Lord is simply saying:  
“Let Me help you set it down so you can rise again.”

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