Are You Growing?

Have you ever had that conversation with a child as they grow? You know the one. “Why is my hair so long? Why do my teeth fall out? Why don’t my shoes fit anymore?” Kids are notorious for asking the simplest and yet the most complex questions. Most often we, as adults, revert back to the simplest answer we can think of “because you’re growing.” If we are lucky, the conversation ends there. Sometimes it does and sometimes not. But the truth of it still hangs in the air. Things change as we naturally grow into our adult bodies. We don’t question them and, most often than not, we don’t think about them because they just happen. At some point, though, our bodies stop doing the natural work of growth and we need to put in the effort to keep our bodies running. We see doctors. We go to the gym. We exercise regularly and make sure we eat well. Or at least we are supposed to. That’s the way to keep our bodies operating and moving forward to a healthier life.

The truth is though, our spirits require the same. Children tend to have an easier time accepting faith and who God is. There is a connection with the Father that Jesus understood when he said to his disciples truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3 ESV). But as we grow up in the world, we also need to put the work into our faith just as we do our physical bodies. That was the purpose behind the Apostle Peter’s second letter to those who received faith. As he closed out his letter, Peter writes that you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen (2 Peter 3:18 NLT). We are called to grow as disciples. Our souls need nourishment just as much as our bodies do. And just like the fact that no one can go to the gym for us, no one can grow our faith for us. The work is ours.

But how do we do that on a regular basis? Many ask that question. I believe the psalmist was on the right track when he wrote, blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).

He writes that blessed is the one who meditates on Scripture day and night. That person will be nourished like a tree planted by the water. The water sustains the tree so it will never wither. In other words, plant yourself in the word of God. Let it fill your spirit. It’s our call as disciples to grow and the key to that growth is found in the one that saved us. He is the source of our nourishment. Delight in Him and on His word this week. Growth is what we were called to. But it requires work on our part. Whether that’s a Bible study at your church, through the Bible App with your friends, or maybe picking up a book study like The Bible Recap… Everyone of us can take a step towards growth in our faith. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to take that step forward. So, are you growing?