A Pattern of Growth

Learning from The Master

Pattern for Growth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1. Faith in Jesus ChristGrowth begins with faith in Christ, trusting in His atonement and power to transform lives. This faith is a foundation that drives other steps and actions.Application: Recognize your reliance on the Savior in every aspect of life and trust in His ability to strengthen and sustain you.

2. RepentanceRepentance is a daily, ongoing process of turning away from sin and aligning oneself with God. It involves godly sorrow, confession, and a commitment to change.Application: Regularly examine your actions and thoughts, seek forgiveness, and strive to make amends where needed.

3. Baptism and the SacramentBaptism symbolizes a covenant to follow Christ and be cleansed from sin. Renewing this covenant weekly through the sacrament helps maintain a commitment to discipleship.Application: Reflect on your covenants and commitments to live a Christlike life, seeking His Spirit through the sacrament.

4. Receiving the Gift of the Holy GhostThe Holy Ghost is a source of guidance, comfort, and sanctification. Receiving and heeding its promptings helps a person stay on the path of growth.Application: Create space for quiet reflection and prayer, seeking to discern the Spirit's guidance in daily decisions.

5. Endure to the EndGrowth is a lifelong journey. Enduring to the end means continuing in faith, repentance, and obedience, even through challenges.Application: Develop habits of perseverance, patience, and gratitude, especially during trials.

Additional Principles Supporting Growth

• Prayer and Scripture Study: These are essential daily practices for spiritual nourishment and personal revelation.

• Service to Others: Serving others fosters Christlike love and humility, accelerating personal growth.

• Temple Worship: Participating in sacred ordinances helps maintain focus on eternal goals and renews spiritual strength.

• Goal Setting and Accountability: Following the Church’s Children and Youth or other personal development programs, setting spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual goals provides structure for balanced growth.

Incorporating DPAR: Discover, Plan, Act, Reflect

1. DiscoverDiscovering involves seeking guidance, understanding truth, and identifying areas for growth. This phase is about gaining clarity through prayer, scripture study, and reflection.In your book:

   • Relate this to the initial stages of spiritual awakening and recognizing the need for Christ’s help.

   • Highlight how godly sorrow opens the door to discovery, allowing individuals to see their need for change.

   • Include personal examples of how you discovered key truths that led you closer to Christ.

2. PlanPlanning requires setting specific, meaningful goals based on what has been discovered. It’s a step of intention and preparation, guided by prayer and inspiration.In your book:

   • Discuss the importance of creating an action plan for recovery and spiritual growth.

   • Include examples of how the recovery steps (e.g., making amends or seeking forgiveness) align with intentional planning.

   • Highlight how involving the Lord in planning leads to better results.

3. ActActing is about implementing the plan with faith and consistency. It’s the process of putting effort into change and growth.In your book:

   • Share stories of personal or observed transformations that came through diligent action.

   • Emphasize the importance of yoking oneself with Christ to succeed in action.

   • Tie this step to themes like endurance, obedience, and trust in God.

4. ReflectReflection is the process of looking back on what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. It’s about learning from experiences and seeing God’s hand in life.In your book:

   • Talk about the role of prayer and meditation in reflecting on progress.

   • Encourage readers to celebrate small victories and continue adjusting their course with the Savior's help.

   • Include your personal experiences of how reflecting strengthened your faith and resolve.

Practical Example Using DPAR in Recovery

• Discover: Through fasting, prayer, and reading scripture, you felt God telling you He was cleansing you and giving you a new heart. You discovered the transformative power of godly sorrow.

• Plan: You committed to follow each step of the recovery process, planned how to make amends with loved ones, and resolved to replace sinful habits with actions that glorify God.

• Act: You implemented your plan daily by studying scripture, seeking Christ's help to resist temptation, and acting on the inspiration to reconnect with your wife and children.

• Reflect: After each milestone—completing a step, reconnecting with a loved one, or overcoming a temptation—you reflected on how God helped you grow and adjusted your goals to continue progressing.