I + 1 Theory

The I + 1 theory of foreign language learning says that, in order for language learning to be meaningful, the student must receive input in a foreign language one small step above his current ability in the language. Too many steps above and they get confused, give up, tune out. Speaking to them only at or below their current language level ensures they never grow or learn anything, never receiving new input.

This, I find, also works with exercising. Everybody says you lose the most weight when your first start trying, but keep trying for months or years, and it eventually begins to taper off. I've been told that your body becomes used to the exercise, and it is no longer working hard to accommodate the increased activity through which you are putting it. Then, perhaps, is the best time to add the + 1, to go the extra mile (sometimes literally) or change your routine. But go too far and you can injure yourself or cause serious health issues. One cannot go from couch potato to running an eight-minute-mile in one day.

I wonder if this also works spiritually. I already know that when you reach a dimension in the Kingdom, it is at first new, exciting, possibly scary. You're working hard and having a lot of faith to be able to manage what you have been given, to be a good steward over this dimension. But later on, the dimension you are in becomes comfortable. You know what the enemy's tools are, you've taken much of the territory away from him, you may have begun to settle in, think that it's a nice, easy place. But you might also find that you're no longer working so hard, and you no longer require as much faith. Then, perhaps, it is time to move on, find a new dimension, with new treasures to mine out, requiring a new level of faith. So that you keep growing. But again, try skipping levels and you might find yourself giving up, thinking it is too hard or that you aren't able to make it. Because if Yahweh is one level ahead of that previous dimension and you've decided to go three levels ahead, you're still not where He is.

It's good to keep growing, keep going, keep seeing more and more of what Yahweh has for us. Even if it does require a little extra effort on our part. Because, really, if you elect to stay in an old dimension, and Yahweh is still moving ahead, you lose something. For joy is wherever Yahweh is, and so, wherever He goes, I'll follow.