There’s more to personal development than just growing a mind or building a body. God says so. He wants us to build up our most holy faith too.

That means growing our faith in all He outlines as best, and then putting it into play in our lives.

Here is where our consistent attention and best work should be done.This is the growth target He really wants us to hit.

What does being built up in the most holy faith look like? It involves these elements:

MASTERING THE BASICS: Here’s the short list -- knowing who God is, who we are, what on earth we were made for, what the gospel is and isn’t, and what the goal and destination of life really is. Master this and we’re well on our way to a well-established, purpose-driven life (Jude 1:1-20).

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT: Prayer is a listening exercise more than a talking outlet. It’s time that we take to listen for God to speak, for His Spirit to do the coaching.

He has more to say than we think. Let Him. Practice silence before Him. Then let that stillness launch great followup conversations with Him (Jude 1:20).

PRACTICING LOVE: The Bible says to “keep yourself in love.” That means feed love.

Get love off the porch. Give it some runs. Give it plenty of playing time every day. Let love take the lead in how you live, for love allows holy faith to grow (Jude 1:21).

WAITING IN HOPE: Patiently waiting grows our faith more than we think. Leaving the results to God on a matter is another key to building holy faith.

Waiting in hope before Him leaves us in better shape than we think and gives Him the credit He truly deserves when the results come. Live in hope. Wait (Jude 1:21).

TAKING HOLY RISKS: Help doubters start doubting their doubts. Rescue a person headed for certain destruction even if it might endanger you. Risk sharing truth and consequences with others like never before.

Let mercy and grace drive the action. God supports us when we make such moves. These are just three examples Jude offers. Each of us can find more (Jude 1:22,23).

What a great list of fundamentals! Give attention to building a most holy faith. It matters much.

Reflect: How are you handling the basics? Which faith fundamental needs mastery in you? Is silence the first part of your prayer life? What fresh way could you live in love today?

A prayer to consider: LORD, build me up in the most holy faith. I don’t want to pursue growth just in mind and body. That’s not good enough.

Help me master the faith fundamentals, pray in silence, live in love, wait patiently in hope, and risk more for You and others. Amen.