Day 4

Growing UP

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

2 Peter 3:17-18

Time is a thief. We turn around only a few times to see tumbling toddlers become professional teachers, Lego-building preschoolers become architectural engineers, or video-playing racecar drivers become policemen. Babies aren’t designed to stay little; they mature into adolescents who eventually become mothers and fathers. Found within the progressive seasons of life, we experience physical, emotional, and social transformations that help shape us into who we are today—some of it fun, and some we care not ever to experience again. Like a flourishing sapling, our lives will eventually become firmly rooted, supplying sturdy branches of stability and a canopy of beautiful foliage that displays undeniable Christian maturity.

The Christian life is a marathon of gradual spiritual growth, pressing on in faith and maturing into a Christ-like character. We strive to be more and more like the Perfect One, knowing that we will never arrive in this lifetime. However, we don’t quit, lose heart, or let our humanity and imperfections keep us in spiritual incubators or jars of spiritual stagnation. We are to bud, bloom, and blossom into the likeness of Jesus, producing the fruit of the Spirit and exuding the sweet aroma of Christ, a fragrance that is noticeably different from the world.

No matter how young or old, no matter how short or long in church, we must position our lives to grow spiritually. We achieve this by continuing to know Him more intimately and experientially in a thriving, personal relationship. Seeking to know Him more requires spending quality time with the One who gave His life for us. You may not be where you want to be spiritually, but praise God you are no longer where you were. You are commanded to grow and strengthen your spiritual journey by praying, getting into His Word, surrounding yourself with other believers, and abiding in Christ. Make it your priority to know and become more like Him.

Application: Pray for the adult ministries of our church that they will be a conduit of spiritual growth. Pray that just as iron sharpens iron, we sharpen one another. Pray for the unity and fellowship of the Body of Christ that it will be a healthy place for spiritual maturity.

If you aren’t in a small group, join one. We grow better together. 

Written By: John Hogan