When Will We Grow?

“The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. The soil produces a crop by itself — first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:26-29).

This parable is found only in the book of Mark, but presents an important truth, especially today.  In the growth of grain, nature works step by step.  In fact, most of nature's wonders are performed gradually.  It is not hard to observe the result of growth, but the process itself may be imperceptible in its development.  This illustrates growth in the kingdom of God.  Christian growth isn’t instantaneous, but most of the time deliberate and gradual.  In our spiritual development, we may want to take giant steps.  If we fail, we may become disappointed.  In such cases, we must remember Jesus’ lesson from nature.

Nothing worth achieving is done so instantly.  No scientist is made in a day.  No one learns a new language overnight.  The skill of an athlete requires many hours of practice. Many of life’s lessons come from applying what we know to our daily circumstances, which can have its setbacks as well as advances.  It is no different with our growth in Christ.  Mature congregations have to be developed member by member, as we each are to grow in God's will.  The change the gospel produces in our lives, from one day to the next, may not appear like much, but over time, it can be.  If you are learning, remember knowledge and understanding does not happen overnight.  If you become discouraged, remember only by persistent and patient efforts does God's word come to rule in people's hearts. Jesus said, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24). The word “strive” (ἀγωνίζομαι), literally means to agonize, straining every nerve to the uttermost towards the goal. The victory we win is more precious when we invest ourselves wholly and completely to reach the prize.

We must make it our goal to grow in Christ every day.  Christian growth, however, is not marked only from day to day, but over the course of a lifetime. We may not see much progress from yesterday to today, but what about over 5 years? Or 10? Or more?  Make Paul's attitude your own.  "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14).  Keep growing in the Lord day by day, and see what a difference it can make eternally.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Robert