Parents are rightly concerned about the physical development of their children. They will keep a close check on the height and weight of growing children. They will encourage them to eat food that will be healthy and will help them to grow stronger.
Christians, of all ages, need to be concerned about our spiritual development. There is inspired exhortation for us to grow. In I Peter 2:2, the apostle writes, “…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,…” Then, at the end of his second letter, Peter exhorts, “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Pet. 3:18).
How can we make certain we
continue to grow spiritually? Here are
three requirements:
FOOD The word of God is our spiritual food. Without it, we will not grow. Heb. 5:12 pictures some who had not grown due to a spiritual diet that was lacking solid food. This might have been due to no appetite for the filling word. Being able to go for an extended time without Bible study cannot be healthy. It may also indicate a different appetite – for things that destroy rather than build.
EXERCISE The same verse in Heb. 5 mentions exercise as a condition of growth. Solid food is for those who have exercised themselves. No athlete would think of avoiding exercise until his muscles become useless. One of the great things about the Lord’s church is that there is work for all. And, God’s people should all seek to find some way to exercise their abilities.
ENVIRONMENT Growth can be stunted in the wrong surroundings. Some want clean air, but allow themselves to live in a polluted environment with friends who hurt, rather than help. It is still true that: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (I Cor. 15:33).
Are you growing? The Bible is a spiritual mirror and a way to measure. It will help you to determine if you are growing in zeal, in interest of spiritual truths, and in service.
-Allen Hahn
0 Comments