Growing In Christ

Feature 1 – October 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Growing In Christ

Growth in living organisms is a perfectly normal feature. In fact, when growth fails to occur, it is a sign that something is wrong.

Two very different people met and were photographed together in London, England, in November 2014. Sultan Kosen from Turkey was a towering 8 feet 3 inches (251 cm) tall and could reach a basketball hoop without jumping. Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal was just less than 1 foot 10 inches (56 cm) in height and at the time was the shortest adult human ever verified by Guinness World Records. To say that the photograph presents a contrast is an understatement! Their meeting near London’s famous Big Ben aroused considerable interest.

Both men were employed in animal farming. When they met, Sultan Kosen was 31 years of age; Chandra Dangi was 74. One had grown far taller than is normal for a human being; the other was considerably shorter than most other people. Of course, both of these cases are extreme.

The physical height we reach in life depends on a number of factors. Often brothers in the same family are not identical in height: when adulthood is reached one can be far taller than another. Indeed, when growth is complete a younger brother may end up a greater height than an older one. There appears to be no reason for this, and we might conclude that the differences result from distinctive individual genes.

Growth, as we know, is not only measured in terms of height. An individual may appear fully developed and be of normal height without having developed mentally. Long after childhood many parents have had to continue caring for a normal-looking adult child with the mental age, for instance, of a 3-year-old. Truly, this is a labor of love, for which the Lord provides the needed help.

All parents expect their children to develop as time passes. Scripture reminds us how “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk. 2:52 KJV). Growth in the natural realm is measured both mentally (“in wisdom”) and physically (“in … stature”). It is perfectly understandable that parents could feel disappointment when this development does not take place.

Natural And Spiritual
What occurs in the natural realm helps us to understand the spiritual sphere. If growth must be preceded by birth in the natural, the same must be true in the spiritual. The Lord Jesus made this clear in His conversation with Nicodemus, the Pharisee, when He said, “Ye must be born again” (Jn. 3:7). Every human being, to begin with, is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1) and needs to experience new birth. Those who receive the Lord Jesus by faith as the answer to their need are “born … of God” (see Jn. 1:12-13). Put simply, our need is to have our sin dealt with and to be forgiven. The only way is by repentance and through the cleansing blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, once a soul has been born again, growth ought to follow. We need to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). Salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8), and growth is also to be in grace. This cannot be separated from Christ, the Source of grace. Notice these words carefully. Growth is not measured in terms of a person’s knowledge but is rooted specifically in knowing Jesus Christ.

Yet, spiritual growth is not exactly the same as physical growth. In the natural realm the time is reached when a young person ceases to grow taller. Brain cells reach their full potential too and begin to decline. Growing is soon replaced by growing old! But in the spiritual realm we do not reach a plateau where no further development is possible. The exhortation given by Peter does not relate to a specific age. The person who trusted Christ 50 years ago is still to be growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him! In fact, growth of this kind should continue until we reach the end of life’s pathway on earth.

Growth And Health
In the physical realm growth and health are not the same. It is possible to be growing taller and to be developing intellectually but at the same time to be in a poor state of health. We are often unaware of the condition of our vital internal organs. A poor diet may have a serious effect on them and result in a shortened life.

Coupled with natural development and growth must be good health. In the spiritual realm there is, of course, a counterpart. The born again believer needs to be in a spiritually healthy condition. Only if we are spiritually healthy can normal spiritual growth and development take place. Is there anything we can do to assist our spiritual growth? As we might expect, the Bible answers that question.

Before his exhortation for growth in grace, Peter wrote of the need for diligence. “Wherefore, beloved … be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Pet 3:14). In the earlier verses of the chapter we are reminded by Peter of the need for a right spiritual focus. We are to remember what we have already been taught and are to be looking beyond the things of this world. Everything material is destined to pass away! Knowing this should inspire us to live holy lives.

We cannot safely drift through this world, for then we will face spiritual shipwreck. We must be on our guard constantly, exercising diligence so we may be found abiding in Christ, living securely in Him in peace. The expression “without spot, and blameless” reminds us of the character of our Lord Jesus. In a sinful world we need to live carefully, growing in the knowledge of Him and displaying the purity of His character.

Diet And Lifestyle
Good health in the natural realm is related to diet and a balanced lifestyle. The same is true in the spiritual. If we are believers we must pay careful attention to our spiritual diet. What kind of material are we feeding upon? If we feed on trashy literature we cannot expect to be in a spiritually healthy condition. The entertainment offered by this world will not assist our progress in the things of God. Filling our minds with impure topics and watching the films that most unsaved people love are certain to prevent spiritual progress from taking place. These things all resemble the “junk food” which we can give to our bodies. For our spiritual life we need that which is nourishing and promotes good health.

The main source of nourishment for the believer must be the Word of God. In fact it is compared to “milk” (1 Pet. 2:2) and “strong meat” (Heb. 5:14). Within God’s Word can be found spiritual food to nourish the new believer and the older one too. Some parts of the Bible are profoundly simple while others are profound! A child can grasp the simple truths of Scripture, while the mature student of the Word discovers new treasures and appreciates afresh the depths to be found within the covers of the Bible. No progress can be made without reading and meditating upon the Word of God regularly.

In the past, children sometimes sang a little chorus which said, “Read your Bible, pray every day, if you want to grow.” Those simple words teach a vitally important lesson. If we want to “grow up into … Christ” (Eph. 4:15) we must carry out the exhortation of that children’s chorus.

Partaking Of Good Food
In the natural realm we know that it is possible to eat alone as well as in the company of others. The same is true spiritually. Personal Bible reading must not be done mechanically, simply as a task to finish for the day. Instead, it should be done thoughtfully and prayerfully. If we do not enjoy it, something must be wrong with us!

Just as a family can share a meal together, it is beneficial for us to obtain spiritual nourishment in the company of others. In a Christian home it is always a good practice to read the Bible and pray together on a regular basis. As children of God and members of His family it is helpful to meet with other believers and spend time together, receiving the truths of God’s Word. Just as a chef enjoys producing tasty food, those who are gifted in teaching the Word of God should present messages which are not only interesting but also healthy in a spiritual sense.

Unfortunately it is possible for food to become contaminated and for those who eat it to be made ill. Only a few particles of something poisonous are needed to cause untold damage. Applying this spiritually, it is important to feed upon that which is pure. False teachers may preach a lot of truth but may mix with it a little error which can cause untold harm. Not all so-called “Christian” literature can be trusted as helpful. Much is sensational and trashy. If we want to make progress spiritually we must pay careful attention to our spiritual diet.

Three Other Components
Three other components in our natural lives are able to teach us important spiritual lessons. In addition to needing food and drink, human beings also require fresh air, exercise and rest. If any of these are missing or not given their rightful place, a person’s life will not be as healthy as it should be. We will consider each of these briefly.

Fresh air may be likened to prayer. In his hymn “Prayer Is The Soul’s Sincere Desire,” James Montgomery (1771–1854) wrote: “Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath, the Christian’s native air.” That statement is absolutely true and needs little further comment. When we inhale fresh, uncontaminated, air, we are filling our lungs with beneficial oxygen which enables the body to function properly. In a spiritual sense we need the Spirit of God to permeate our being. Prayer expresses our utter dependence on God. We need to be in regular communion with Him, and the activity should be as natural as breathing.

Exercise and rest can be considered together, and both are essential for good health. Without exercise the body’s muscles will become flabby, and without adequate rest we will find it difficult to complete our work and everyday activities. Spiritual exercise is vital too. The Lord saves us in order that we might serve Him. There is work we can do for Him in making Him known and in spreading the message of the gospel. Are we doing anything to further His cause in this sinful world? As far as rest is concerned, the Bible speaks of resting in the Lord (see Ps. 37:7) and reminds us of the need to trust Him. Just as physical rest refreshes and restores us, so waiting upon the Lord renews our strength for service (Isa. 40:31). It is impossible to serve Him effectively without trusting Him and receiving divine strength.

Much more could be written about growth and progress. Actually, many books have been devoted to this one theme. Our Father desires the spiritual progress of His children. Perhaps it is time to ask ourselves, “Am I growing spiritually and bearing fruit for the Lord?” We need to be challenged regularly about this.

By Martin Girard

Growth is one of the surest signs of healthy life, and we expect to see it in every Christian. No sensible person expects the new believer to be anything but a babe, but we do not expect him to remain so. With a keen appetite for wholesome spiritual food, a good digestion, plenty of heaven’s fresh air and exercise, he is bound to grow. — F. B. Hole (adapted)