Are You – Growing Or Stagnant?
When talking about nature, it is easy to determine whether something is growing or not. The physical world is measured by the four dimensions in which we live: height, length, width and time. The measurable units of meters, inches, seconds, minutes, etc., can be used to determine if a living organism is growing or not. But in the spiritual dimension it is not so easy to discern growth.
Jesus measured spiritual growth by looking at their faith. He said to some, “Oh, you of little faith”, to others he said, “I have never seen such great faith in all of Israel.” He saw some as weak in faith and others as strong in faith. In other words, faith can be measured and can increase…or grow. Each one of us has been given a measure of faith from God, but we are responsible to make it grow. As in the natural, growth results from nourishment and exercise, spiritual growth requires feeding on the Word of God and putting it into practice. This “measure of faith” that we have been given is the same spirit of faith that Jesus had. As He grew in wisdom, faith and favor, so must we.
Spiritual growth can be compared to the growth of a child to adulthood. As a child, one learns obedience. The child must submit to authority without understanding the “whys?” of things. This is for his protection and identity. This stage is very similar to an army recruit. Obedience is necessary and in time of war can save his life and the life of his fellow soldiers.
As a child grows to become a youth, his motivation also changes. His focus switches from a vertical one to a horizontal one. He is now concerned with what others think about him. He compares himself with others and learns to be competitive. In this stage he is similar to an athlete. He learns self-motivation and the importance of hard work. He does this to obtain the prize. This is a wonderful phase, but not the end.
We are to grow up into adulthood. Spiritually speaking we are to grow up in Christ. We are not to remain as a child, or to stay a youth, but to grow into maturity. An adult is one who is like Christ. An adult is motivated by purpose and can be measured by his ability to be responsible. Adults are able to have children and correctly raise them. They think more of others than themselves and are able to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. As Christ laid down His life for us, so we are to lay down our lives for others.
Being stagnant is being stuck and not growing. One can be stuck in childhood, always dependent on others for care and direction. Some are stuck in the youth phase, where they give to get and only live on the thrills of the moment. If you find yourself stagnant or just going in circles, then it is time to grow up.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Luke 2:51-52; Eph. 4:14-16; I Peter 2:2; II Thess. 1:3; II Tim. 2:1-5; II Cor. 4:13; I John 3:16