Let’s grow!

 

I have some clothing that really ought to be thrown out, but I find comfort more important than style, so I keep on wearing them. I’m still listening to music recorded in the 70’s even though there’s some good stuff from this year, but Keith Green was so ‘right on’ when I was 21. There is a part of my life that is constantly developing. Spiritually, I am a different man in 2011 than I was in 1990!  I am much more tender-hearted, capable of allowing for mystery, more rooted in the grace of God. God is the same, but my ways of knowing Him continue to grow.

Choosing to grow spiritually requires willingness to let God lead us deeper into Himself, into the mysteries of His love and grace, into new work of His kingdom. Some people have a great year, finding something that really ‘works,’ and they just repeat it – over and over again. It’s like that movie “Groundhog Day” only it is their choice.  Trouble is, their effectiveness diminishes rapidly over time. Why? Because the world keeps on changing.  Those who will not grow are usually pushed to the periphery of life and wonder why they feel so isolated or alone. Many become bitter, constant critics of those who are innovators. Growth is often unpleasant, sometimes even painful. When we venture into new things we risk failure. Growth can cause friction with other people who like us ‘just the way we are’ because our growth demands change in their lives, too.

Paul describes the way a person who is growing in the Spirit lives. He is forward looking, able to let yesterday’s failure and success go. He recognizes that he is a person ‘in process.’

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect,(complete or whole) but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." (Philippians 3:12-15, NIV)

Whether you’re 18 or 81, growth is still possible. God has new purpose for each new day. There are discoveries about Him that wait just around the next corner in life. The Gospel of Christ, while unchanging in Truth, is constantly adapting to the world in which it is proclaimed. You can look back on yesterday, paralyzed by regret or fond remembrance, or you can pray, “Lord, take me deeper still!”

Are you growing in Christ? The Scripture says that the work of the Spirit in us will always produce growth. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16, The Message)

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I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith, on Heaven’s table land,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

-Oatman

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