LEARNING TO GROW

But speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP in all things into Him who is the head – Christ – Ephesians 4:15

On the pathway to the Land of Uprightness, GROWTH is a MUST. Growth is not an option. You must not only LEARN to CHANGE; but specifically, you must LEARN to GROW. This is because GROWTH is a PROCESS. Growth is gradual. Whether in the natural or the spiritual, growth is hardly ever automatic, abrupt or spontaneous. Mark 4:28 describes it thus: “For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.” Scripture and life teach us that for everything else, TIME is needed for growth and maturity in the biological, social, economic, physical, mental, and particularly the spiritual dimensions of life (Phil.3:11-14; Heb.5:11-14; 1 Jh.2:11-14).

Even our Lord followed this same path. The prophets foretold the Messiah’s growth: “For He shall GROW UP before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground…” (Isa.53:2a); “In those days and at that time I will cause to GROW UP to David a Branch of righteousness…” (Jer.33:15a). We see His testimony in the New Testament: “So the child GREW and became strong in spirit…” (Lk.1:80, 2:40). You cannot chart a different path from His! That’s why Christ must be the GOAL of your GROWTH: “but speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP in all things into Him who is the head – Christ” (Eph.4:15).

Moreover, GROWTH is GOD’s GIFT to the Righteous: “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, HE SHALL GROW like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psa.92:12). Like any good parent, God wants you to grow; hence He endows you with all it takes. He delights in your development. He motivates you into maturity. For example, God’s rules are for your good and growth! His Word is food for your growth: “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may GROW thereby” (1Pet.2:2). 2 Peter 3:18 admonishes: “But GROW IN GRACE, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” Hearing, knowing, and obeying the Word is critical to your spiritual growth and walk with God. It’s time to LEARN to GROW!

Caution: Growth can be positive or negative. Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell. It spreads abnormally and usurps the place of other organs in the body until they are displaced and destroyed. That’s negative growth. How then would you know if you’re growing positively? One key answer: Your life purpose is a good standard by which to measure your growth. Ask: “Am I doing what God purposed for me to do?” and “How well am I doing it?” That’s Purpose; that’s growth. So, I’ve decided to go forward with Purpose. Another key answer: Character, Integrity, Uprightness! So I've decided to chart the Path of Uprightness. So help me God!