What are the ways we can grow as Christians? Are we doing it through acquiring more Bible knowledge, or completing more Christian tasks? Maybe it’s through developing Christ-like virtues. It could be that these are our ideas of what it is to be a Christian but Christian development according to the Bible isn’t an issue of understanding or self-effort. It’s entirely about the progress of the human condition.
Particularly, the life that needs to develop is the divine life that is that of God. When we first sought out God by faith on Jesus Christ, we were not just saved from the wrath of God and death, but more importantly, we were renewed in our souls by the spirit of God. In addition to the human life, we have we also have the existence of God within us.
Since we were created by God, we were children of God according to John 1:12-13 says:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
As the birth of a baby is just the beginning of a lifetime and he continues to grow throughout this life until maturity, being entrusted by the grace of God is just the beginning. God is eager to witness His children grow up in their lives.
Growing as the Christian doesn’t mean that we are the growth of our normal, human life. It is the development of the character of God in us.
Christian development in the Bible
What do the Bible says about the expansion of the life of God within us? Let’s examine two verses:
- The apostle Paul declares the following in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7:
“I planted; Apollos was watered but God created to cause the increase. Therefore, neither is he who planted anything, nor who waters it, instead, it is God who is the one who creates to grow.”
In verse 9 Paul stated,
“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s cultivated land, God’s building.”
The terms of being planted, watered and cultivation of the land are all aspects that are part of the daily life. God’s existence, like seeds, is planted in our hearts. The seed needs watering to grow. And as the divine life of God is cultivated within us, we are His fertile the land which is His farm. Paul does not use the image of a school that has classes and study here, but the image of a farm that includes watering and planting to illustrate the expansion of God’s life within us.
- Colossians 2:19 explains this:
“And not holding the Head, out from whom all the Body, being richly supplied and knit together by means of the joints and sinews, grows with the growth of God.”
The note 6 in this verse within the New Testament Recovery Version helps us to understand the meaning of “grows” means:
“Growing is a fact of life, and that means that it is God Himself. As the body of Christ, the church must not be denied Christ who is the personification and embodiment of God as the life source. In embracing Christ as the center of the church, it expands with the growing of God as well as the expansion of God as living.”
In His own, God is perfect and completely. The development of God is therefore not referred to God is growing in Himself It means God expands, grows within us. To become a Christian refers to the way in which God expands within us.
The necessity of food to foster Christian growth
Every kind of life requires food to thrive. Children don’t grow through being taught, but rather by eating. Mothers feed their children nutritious food and through eating food, the kid naturally develops. Instead of teaching her child how to develop, a mother encourages children to feed and, as he eats the result is gradual and normal growth.
In referring to our growth in our lives as believers the apostle Peter connects spiritual food and spiritual growth with 2:2 in 1 Peter 2:2:
“As newborn babes, long for the guileless milk of the word in order that by it you may grow unto salvation.”
It is important to note that Peter did not mention “long for the doctrine of the word” or “for the knowledge of the word.” He urged us to look for to drink the the milk of God’s word. Milk feeds. It is certainly necessary to read God’s Word however, our primary need is to soak up Scripture Bible as milk that can provide us with nourishment. If we are looking to grow, we have to be hungry to drink the milk from the Word in the same way newborn infants long for milk.
Growth can only occur when there is an element that is nourishing. When we consume a meal that is nourishing, it increases the strength of the body. If we are fed with the Word’s milk and live a life that is centered on God expands, grows inside us.
Incorporating the Word from God as spiritual food
To eat to the Word that is the Word of God as our food source We can contemplatively go through in the Bible. While we are opening our Bible it is possible to start with a simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, I seek Your Word for food source. Feed me while I read and meditate.”
As we read through the Bible and meditate, we can concentrate on eating Scripture’s Word in prayer. It is possible to pause and “chew” the words by praying alongside the words. There is no need to make lengthy prayers. We can simply respond to the Lord with a simple manner while we go through the Bible. If we are nourished by His Word and are nourished and content. The most important thing is that we develop in Christ.
The little ones are no longer
A child is a delight to his parents, however when he isn’t growing normally the parents will be worried. Parents feed their kids expecting them to not only develop but also to eventually attain maturity.
The Father of our Lord God is also concerned about whether we grow up normally. He’s not happy with seeing any of His children stay identical year in and year out and not see any increase in the life He has in them.
As Christians who desire to be a part of God’s life, let’s strive to drink the Word of God each day.