Why the sudden emphasis on growth?
In recent times, much of the emphasis of our teachings within Chapel of Light has been centred around spiritual growth and development. One might wonder why this is, but scripture says that ..” Gal 4:1-2 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.”. God is very interested in our growth and development in this season and I pen this note to us all to elaborate on why we need to prioritise growth in this season.
Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Many of us already have spent years in Christendom and by now we already should be teachers and ministers of the gospel. However, there are a number of barriers that prevent us from growing and I will like to enumerate some scripturally tested principles that will ensure that we are keep growing as Christians. God’s plan for us is that:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
How then can we ensure that we are growing as Christians? In the words of Will Durant, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” How then can a Christian ensure that they are growing regularly?
1. Getting into the word
Scriptural basis: 1Pe_2:2; Psalms 119:11; Psa 19:7- 8; Joshua 1:8; Act 17:10-11
Rom_10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
One of the main ways through which a Christian can grow is to ensure that they are regularly reading, studying and practising the Word of God, via scriptures. To ensure consistent growth, we must also consistently hear the Word.
2. Getting into regular prayer
Scriptural basis: Mat_26:41; 1Th_5:17; Mar 1:35; 1Ti_2:8; Jud 1:20; Php 4:6 -7; Psa 55:17
Jesus prayed and encouraged us to also do the same. Prayer is a sine qua non for Christian growth, and it is critical for believers to prioritise personal and corporate prayer. No matter how busy our schedules get, prayer cannot be substituted. In Daniel 6:10, the prophet Daniel was known as a man of constant prayer and this was critical to his deliverance from the wiles of the enemy.
3. Getting into forgiveness
Scriptural basis: Mat_6:14-15; Mat_18:21; 2Co 2:5-7; Colossians 3:13
Col_3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
One tried and tested method that assures a Christian of growth and demonstrates their progress is their ability to forgive. In fact, it is better to forgive people in advance. In Luke 11:4, the Lord’s prayer states that we seek for God fto forgive us our sins, as we forgive others who are indebted to us. However, most Christians only want the first part of that prayer. That, my friend is not growth. We cannot pick or choose portions of scripture that suit us. We either forgive completely or not receive forgiveness ourselves.
4. To grow, we need other believers
Scriptural basis: Heb_10:25; Psa_68:6; Pro_27:17
In today’s isolated world, Christians need others to grow. We cannot isolate ourselves on any basis and expect to grow. In the letter to the Church in Rome, Apostle Paul stated that fellowship with others was critical to his comfort and also the development of mutal faith (Romans 1:12). Isolation for a Christian is not ideal. God never wanted us to dwell in solitary, but in families (Psalms 68:6). So do you want to grow? Find like minded Christians and associate with them. Their faith will rub off on you and help you develop yours.
5. To grow, we need to serve the Lord with our time, substance and gifts
Scriptural basis: Heb 12:28; 2Ki_3:11; Romans 12:6-8; Mark 10:42-45
In 2 Kings 3: 11, prophet Elisha started out as the one who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah. He later on grew to become a full prophet on his own right. This is one of the benefits of Christian service. In serving God, growth occurs. When we use our gifts, talents and substance to serve God, we are also growing in the same process. It is not until we serve in prominent or key roles in church that we can grow. In whatever capacity that God has called us to, whether it is in cleaning the sanctuary or visiting other church members, we are growing as a result of it (Romans 12:6-8). Even the Master, Jesus, came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).
Anglo-Irish poems of the Middle Ages (Author: [unknown]): Poem 4/ Song of Michael of Kildare
31] God has sent you to the earth, has lent you a little period of time. He shall know how it is spent, I advise you, take heed. If it is hidden you shall be destroyed, for hell will be your reward. The bow is bent, the fire stoked for you if you are miserly. Unless you reform, you shall be sent away into ever glowing coals [Dawna Markova, From "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life"]
6. To grow, we must develop a habit of sharing our faith with others
Scriptural basis: 2Ti_4:5; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 28:20
One of the main things that helps a believer grow is their ability to share their faith with others. Sharing your faith emboldens you and allows you to be able to be a faithful witness. It also encourages us and allows us to grow our community of faith. There is no greater calling than that of evangelism and this is critical for us as we continue in our quest to grow.
7. Growth is Continuous improvement
Scriptural basis: Mic_7:8; Pro_4:18; James 1:25; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
As a final point, one must realise that growth is continuous. The moment growth stops, degeneration commences. In the words of William S. Burroughs, when you stop growing, you start dying. Therefore, no Christian must be satisfied with the status quo, but strive to move onto perfection. Have you become consistent in studying the Word? Do the same for prayer. Have you become a prayer warrior? Become an expert at forgiveness. That is our goal as the pastorate of RCCG Chapel of Light, to see people constantly growing and conforming to the image of Christ. We must keep our body under subjection and strive for a life that is constantly dedicated to growth and spiritual development.
Until next time, go and win with Jesus. – Pastor John Aja-Nwachuku
Prayer points/Practice (Mar 1:35 ; Luke18:1)
· Father, all that you have provided for me to grow to maturity, please help me to harness them in Jesus name.
· Father, help me to know you more and grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus Name.
· Father, the power and responsibility that comes with spiritual maturity, I receive it today in Jesus Name, Amen.