Growth

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen." 2 Peter 3:18

When my boys were babies, they had Pediatric visits scheduled every few months during their first birth year.  The doctor would then compare my child's height and weight next to the numbers written on a Growth Chart to see if they were exceeding, maintaining, or falling short of the desired physical and nutritional growth.

Why?  Because if they were behind, there were nutrients I could provide in their diet to help them grow, and if they were maintaining, or exceeding their percentile range of growth, then I knew they were getting the nutrients they needed to grow and be healthy.

In the doorways of many of my friends' homes who have children, often times you can see knicks, or penciled-in lines of their child's height next to the date of their birthday throughout the years.

Again, it's fun to see how much a child can grow in any given year.

As Christians, we are told to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, so, how do we know if we are growing? Do Christians have a 'Growth Chart' to measure our separation?  Holiness?  Standards?

Yes, we do!

The Bible is our Growth Chart to make sure we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.

"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

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."  Hebrews 5:13,14

-Do you still want 'milk' or do you desire 'meat' from the Word of God?

-Do you read your Bible every day?

-Do you study your Bible, or has your daily devotions grown mechanical?

-Are you learning new things when you read the Word of God?

-Is it changing the way you walk and talk?

-Are you being conformed into the image of Christ?

    If so, then you are growing.

And if you are not growing, it's time to ask yourself, "Why not?"

The closer you walk with God, the further you will walk away from the world.

The places you used to go, won't hold much appeal anymore.

The things you once listened to, watched, or wanted, won't occupy your time, or desires.

The people you used to hang around with...you realize they aren't the people you want to hang around with anymore.

God's Word is our Growth Chart.

So how are we doing?

Are we exceeding, maintaining, or falling behind in our Spiritual walk?

    It's time to measure our growth...

        But that's just me!

"It's impossible to worship God and remain unchanged."  Henry Blackaby