Sunday Evening, Apr 13,
2008,
Do all
people grow at the same rate? Or at the same time? Is it possible to
have stunted growth? Of course, we all know the answers to these
questions. The more you eat, the more you grow (around, anyway!) And a
child who does not get enough nourishment can actually have stunted
growth. Doctors’ offices have a growth chart and measure a child
against the average growth for someone at that age. One of our young
people, when he was younger, was not a good eater for years and was
always low on the growth chart. At one point, he was even below the
chart!
The
concept of growth also applies in the spiritual realm. Tonight, we
discussed spiritual growth and Bro Joe drew a chart on the board
demonstrating this idea. We found that it is possible to be “stunted”
in our spiritual growth even though one has been a Christian for years.
It all depends on how much they “eat” and “exercise”.
When we
depend on someone to feed us, it usually means we are still a baby and
need “spiritual milk” or a bottle to pacify us. Those who are growing
are those who can “chew” and can feed themselves. God wants us all to
grow up and be able to teach others eventually.
How old
we are spiritually should at least be reflected by how many years we’ve
been a Christian, although some are wise beyond their years. Others
have been “in the way” for many years, yet they are far below where they
should be spiritually. Our growth is up to us. Are we eating the right
foods? Are we practicing what we learn? There is no valid reason why
we should be behind on the growth chart.
