Christians are to GROW! The Bible says, “As newborn babes, desire (long for - A.S.V.) the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13,14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (emp. mine, D.B.). The Christian life is one of maturing and continual growth. We realize that when water stops flowing and stands still that it becomes stagnant and worthless. So it is with the Christian life. The Bible says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1,2). It takes a great deal of effort in order to grow spiritually! Let’s notice a few ways that we as Christians can grow.
Bible study is a necessity in order to grow (1 Peter 2:2). Personal Bible study each day coupled with our Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday helps us to grow in our knowledge of the Word. Preparation before each class will help even more. When we are too busy to study the Bible individually each day or with our brethren in Bible class, we are not interested in our spiritual growth.
We also grow spiritually through our worship. Our singing, praying and studying the Bible together helps us to be more spiritual and to grow. We should desire to be at every worship service! If we must be absent, our hearts are saddened. This will include our gospel meetings at home, but we should also enjoy the opportunity to support area gospel meetings. This will help us to grow spiritually and it will encourage our brethren. When we willfully forsake the assembling we are not only guilty of sin (Hebrews 10:25), but we are stating to others that spiritual growth is not a priority!
Godliness (spiritual exercise) will also help us to grow. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). The desire of every Christian should be to become more God-like or more Christ-like (Phillipians 2:5). By serving God, by helping our fellow-man (James 1:27; Matthew 25:31-46); in general by “letting our light shine” (Matthew 5:16).
Is spiritual growth a priority in YOUR life? Are YOU putting forth every possible effort to insure that YOU do not become stagnant or “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:14-16).
