“Granny, how big will they get?”
“These are small zinnias, they’ll only be about 12 inches tall.”
“Granny, I wish they would grow all the way to heaven! What can we plant that will grow that high?”
“Why, I can’t think of a thing! Everything on earth has a limit to its growth. Even you, even me! I won’t ever get any taller. And once you’re an adult, you’ll stop growing taller, too! Everything stops growing eventually.”
Except our relationship with Jesus Christ…
There was a season – decades, actually – in my life that had no spiritual growth. I knew Jesus as my Savior, but our relationship didn’t get much further than that. Because of my circumstances, and eventually my choice, I stopped attending church. I very rarely read my Bible, and my prayer life did not exist. Well, except for the emergency flare prayers, when I was in a bind. I definitely wasn’t growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.
Have you ever had a wilderness wandering – not growing, not deepening your faith in Jesus? Maybe you’re there now. I think most of us go through this from time to time – although hopefully not for decades! We become complacent where we are. Comfortable. Or, in my case, just plain stagnant.
But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.2 Peter 3:18 (GNT)
God’s word tells us to grow in Christ. This is a continual growth. One that never ends. How on earth can we do this? I’ve had days that my actions and words scream “This Christian girl’s not growing!” That’s when I start thinking “What’s the use? I’ll never get it.”
How about you? Do you ever feel like giving up, coasting? Don’t do it! Sometimes growth is taking one step forward and two steps back. We learn from our mistakes. It builds character in us. But should we stop? No, indeed.
[tweetthis]Our Christian growth should be non-stop, not non-existent.[/tweetthis]
How can we be constantly growing in our knowledge of Christ? The best place to start is in His word. After God drew me back to Himself, I discovered that I absolutely love scripture. God’s word builds and strengthens us. It’s there we will find Jesus, and find out about Him. We’ll see His story woven through history.
But there’s another way to be ever growing: Stretch yourself. Get out of your comfort zone. Step out in obedience to Him, even when you don’t feel equipped to do so. Why? Our faith is made stronger. You and I will experience more of Him as we learn to trust. We will have first hand knowledge of Jesus, as we experience Him daily.
This builds our history with Him. We can look back and see the ways Jesus has provided for us, how He’s loved on us. When you and I look back, we will see the times He’s been there, even when we didn’t realize it in the moment. And, we can look forward with delight to the ways He will lavish us with His strength and grace.
Our constant growth honors and glorifies Jesus. The more we grow, the more we become like Him. Think if we were all intentional about our spiritual growth. Imagine all of us looking more like Jesus in our actions and words, at home and at work. Think of the multitude of lights that would be shining in this dark world!
Let’s keep on growing, all the way to heaven!
How are you continually growing in Christ? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Until next week,
Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!
Suzie Eller, Live Free Thursday
Kelly at Purposeful Faith
Holly at Testimony Tuesday
Holley at Coffee for Your Heart
Jennifer at Tell His Story
Bonnie at Faith Barista
So true… We often take detours and fall off the beaten path, but that’s when God’s mercy is revealed. He sends out the “search party”/those who aid in our return to the straight and narrow path that leads back to Him 🙂 Thankful for those GPS moments <3
Amen, Debbie! GPS = God’s Protective Service!
This is a beautiful post, Sweet Ellen. Encourages me to KEEP seeking growth. Right now I’m trying to grow by embracing the challenges God is sending my way, rather than embracing a poor attitude. (Believe me, I do the second thing plenty, but I’m trying to change!)
Sadly, I can relate to a poor attitude. I find myself there often! Praying for you and your family, Betsy! That God will strengthen you and use you during this season of challenge.
God’s been impressing on me the need for small steps and how those small, tiny efforts bring me ever closer to where He wants me to be. They may not seem like much in and of themselves, but one upon the other can make a huge difference. I definitely need to remember to keep moving–pressing on–no matter how small or slow the step is. Thanks, Ellen!
Press on Sabra! Press on, God is using you to change lives!
Emergency flare prayers! That made me giggle:) Yep, totally guilty of that! You and I have so much in common. I think it’s amazing how once we start reading God’s Word, we desire to learn more and more. It’s like a seed growing inside of us – alive and vibrant. Thank you for this awesome word today, Ellen!
You’ve had flare prayers? 😉 I soak up His word like a sponge! It’s so beautiful. Thank you for your encouragement today, Kristine! Can’t wait to hug your neck!