Growing Up in Christ: How Are You Growing?

 I heard in my quiet time "Jesus grew in stature". And in God's sure way of getting my attention, the phrase repeated and repeated frequently, "Jesus grew in stature."

Luke 2:52 says "As Jesus grew, so did his wisdom and maturity.  The favor of men increased upon his life, for he was loved greatly by God."

I ventured to look up the definition of stature and came upon two meanings.  1) someone's height or size, 2) quality or status gained by growth, development, or achievement. 

How are you growing?

The first definition is pretty self-explanatory.  For the most part, physically, we all have increased in size from childhood to being an adult.  It was the same for Jesus.  He grew from a boy into a man.  Everything about Him physically grew.   

Side thought:  As our body grew, did our spirit man grow as well?  Or did it remain in a childlike state?

1 Samuel 2:26 says "Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew taller and grew in favor with the Lord and with the people."  As with most individuals in the Bible, Samuel shared this same feature with Jesus.  Both grew taller and in favor with the Lord and the people.  However, let's look closer at another characteristic both had in common.

1 Samuel 2:20 says "And the Lord gave Hanna three sons and two daughters.  Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord."  

Luke 2:40 states, "The child grew more powerful in grace, for he was being filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him."

Not only did they grow physically but also spent time in the Presence of the Lord.  We know through scriptures that Samuel was a prophet used by God in his day to bring the Word of the Lord to the nation of Israel.    Likewise, Jesus spent quality time with God, often stilling away to pray and be with His Father (Luke 5:16) and was used by God to reconcile mankind back to God throughout the ages and even until His return.

How are we growing in the wisdom, love and favor of God?

Many years go, I received and was able to share a message entitled "Check yourself before you wreck yourself".  This message was based upon John the Baptist's message of "repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15).  Looking back, I believe it was a call to the church to check how we were living for Jesus was soon coming?  

Today, I believe the same question is being asked again.  How are we living?  How are we growing?

In every area of our lives physically, mentally, socially and spiritually, God is concerned about it all.  However, sometimes it seems as though our spiritual well-being can get pushed to the back-burner with all of life's daily demands and our own desires for self-improvement.

We are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).

Are we growing in righteousness?

Matthew 5:48 says "Since you are children of a perfect Father in heaven, you are to be perfect like him."

The word "perfect" in the Greek and Aramaic can also mean "whole, complete, fully mature, lacking nothing, all-inclusive, well rounded.  Another translation says maturity and wholeness in response to Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom, and complete consecration to God.

How are we maturing in the things of God?

Matthew 19:21-22, Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me."  But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

God is not asking us to sell all that we have but to examine our hearts to see what idols we have placed there ahead of Christ.

How are we growing in Christ?

Steps for Growing

1. Desire to be in the Presence of God always.  Jesus has made this possible to boldly come before the throne of grace regularly without fear.  This can simply be done by acknowledging God often throughout the day.  Seeking His wisdom then obeying (Proverbs 3:5-6, John 14:15).
2. Identifying, repenting and asking Holy Spirit to remove any idols in our hearts (Exodus 20:2-5)

God is concerned about our maturing in the things of God.  He is concerned that His bride be whole - mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.  He is concerned about His church being prepared not only for His coming but how we live here on earth.  The hour is now where true worshippers worship who they know in spirit and truth!