Growing at Different Rates
This Christmas I received two beautiful amaryllis bulbs the same week. Neither had started to sprout. They are positioned in different rooms in our home, both receiving the same amount of daylight, but are growing at very different rates. It made me think about our spiritual growth.
Two individuals can come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ at the same time, but the environment in which they live, the exposure to Christ centered resources and relationships, the condition of their heart and their willingness to change old thought patterns and habits all affect the rate of their growth.
If we want to grow towards the likeness of Christ we can ignite the process through these practices. Think of them as a top grade fertilizer.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Spend time in God's Word, know what He says.
Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Seek the Lord
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Seek Christian community and commit to membership in a local church with strong biblical teaching and Bible study opportunities and resources.
Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him. Romans 12:2
We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. Hebrews 10:24-25
Be forgiving and seek forgiveness.
Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil. If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. Matthew 6:12-14
Check your heart.
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Ephesians 4:31
Be a person of integrity.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:9-10
Serve others and give generously.
But don't forget to help others and to share your possessions with them. This too is like offering a sacrifice that pleases God. Hebrews 13:16
My daily "go to" remembrance of how to walk with Jesus is: Be joyful always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Now let's grow!
Take time to look at the people who got a jump start on their blooming and be encouraged by what it yet to come.
The Song
“I Will Follow” Chris Tomlin
