FROM THE PASTOR ..

Growing

The Bible describes 12-year-old Jesus returning home to Nazareth. It tells us that he “…grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52) It’s a wonderful picture of a young person’s growth. But growth is not just for young people. The Bible encourages all of us to keep growing in our faith and in our spiritual relationships.

We grow through prayer. As we seek first the kingdom we will better understand God’s will for our daily lives. New habits form as we lean not on our own understanding but trust in the Lord. It puts us on the right path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We grow by reading the word and putting his teaching into practice. The Bible tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) The Bible takes us where we need to go. “The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

We grow because of meaningful spiritual relationships. We receive wise counsel and prayer from those whom we trust with our growth needs. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “He who can no longer listen to his brother, will soon no longer be listening to God, either.” God reminds us, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge….” (Proverbs 15:2)

Growth results in change. I will not be the same person I used to be. In scripture we read, “For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:5-8) Let’s grow—together!

~ Pastor Ken