I turned 47 last week. I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday I was in my 20's with all kinds of goals for the future. Amazing how fast time flies. In my mind, I am still in my 20's. But in my body, I can tell I am in my 40's.
We all grow older. That's a given. The object is to not just to grow older but to grow up. This process is called maturity. As in life, so in our Christianity. God requires growth in our relationship to Christ, His word and His will. God wants us to mature. 2 Peter 3:18a says, "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." God's plan for your life is that every day, you mature - you grow.
Growth, healthy growth, brings fruit. It may take a recently planted young apple tree a few years before it generates enough apples of the right quality to be used in a pie. Growth and maturity take time. But, if we don't grow and put processes in action to continue that growth, nothing will happen. We may look like a healthy tree but, in actuality, we are not.
Jesus passed by a fig tree one time that looked good but had no fruit on it. He stopped and cursed the tree. When He and the disciples came by later on, remarkably, the tree had withered and died. God wants fruit from our lives and in order to do that, we must grow at a healthy rate. He demands growth so He can enjoy our fruit.
The primary menu item in the diet of spiritual growth is reading the word of God. Sorry, but there is no way around this one. You may think you'll do fine without it but I promise you won't. God developed this diet plan. It's not a church or pastoral recommendation. It's a directive from God himself. Take time - make time today to spend just 15 minutes or more in God's word.
One of the darkest times in Christianity was due to a lack of the word of God and the pastors were making it up as they went along. You are so blessed to have a copy of God's word at your fingertips. Why not take time to soak in some juicy spiritual nutrition today. You'll be surprised what instantaneous growth you'll see.
PB