LIVING FOR GOD: GROWING

Several weeks ago, we began a discussion of our theme for 2010, “Living For God.” We have done this by looking at the word “living” and how each letter represents a principle to follow in living for God. We must begin by making Jesus Lord of our lives. He must reign supreme in our hearts and minds. We are to Imitate Christ in our lives. He is the supreme role model. We discussed the need to be Vigilant in living the Christian life and preparing for Christ’s return. As Christians, we are to live in such a way that we are a good Influence on those around us. We are to show the world what a Christian looks like. It is vital that we are Not ashamed of Christ. We cannot hide our Christianity in a corner. Today, we conclude this discussion.

GROWING
“(B)ut grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). The same apostle writes of the “Christian graces” which are a vital part of the growth process in a Christian (2 Peter 1:5-11). I have previously mentioned the statement made by a tour guide at the Okefenokee Park on one of our visits several years ago. Alligators never quit growing. The only alligator that is not growing is a dead alligator. The same is true of Christians. You are either growing of dying, progressing or retreating. Many seem to want to maintain the status quo, but that is impossible in the Christian life.

Peter also gives us the source of growth. “(A)s newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” (1 Peter 2:2). A newborn baby is dependent on milk for nourishment and growth. If you withhold it from him, he will die. When we obey the gospel, we are born again (John 3:1-5), we are newborn babes. Just at a physical baby needs the constant nourishment of milk, as spiritual babies we need the constant nourishment of God’s word. Let me ask you a question. When does that baby cease needing nourishment? How old do you have to be to stop eating? They type of food changes, but if you stop eating at any age you will die. The same is true spiritually. Regardless of your spiritual age, you still need nourishment; you still need to feed upon God’s word. There is no substitute for the study of God’s word.

Some quit growing. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14). They stop taking the proper nourishment and begin dying. If you had a child that was not growing physically, you would seek medical attention. If you are not growing spiritually, you need to find out what the problem is. The same principle holds true for the type of nourishment. What if your child was still taking only milk at 1 year, 3 years, 10 years? Would you not realize that something is very wrong? The Hebrew writer says that those who partake only of milk are spiritually babies, they are immature. Perhaps the reason you are not growing is that you have outgrown milk and need to eat some meat.

May God grant us success in applying these principles as we strive to live for Him in 2010 and beyond.
--Lamar