Jesus Grew

“And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;” Jesus is our perfect example. He grew in wisdom, therefore we are to grow in wisdom also.

To grow, one must feed on the word of God on a regular basis, not spasmodically. If you ate food only every couple of days or only once a week, how long would you remain healthy? We make sure that we get nourishment daily, don’t we? How many days go by that we forget to eat? None, and that’s the point!

On the other hand, how many days go by that we do not feed on God’s word? Do we only feast on the truth of God occasionally? How many Sundays come and go that we fail to meet with the saints around the Lord’s table, remembering Jesus’ death on the cross? How many opportunities do we miss to study God’s word in Bible classes? Do you think you have a good excuse? Think about it. Is it a reason or is it just an excuse? Is it an excuse you are willing to face God with on judgment day? I didn’t think so!

Nevertheless, God expects us to love others, even spiritual babies. Even the pouty ones. Even the selfish ones. Even the immature ones. In John 13:34-35, Jesus said:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

God commands that we love each other. This is the way others can know that we are truly Christians.

Sometimes, however, it is difficult to love those who have not grown spiritually, the perpetual babes in Christ. Sometimes it is difficult to love a person who should be mature, but still acts like a baby. It takes special efforts to love a spiritual baby, an immature Christian who requires a lot of attention and who takes up time we could be ministering to others.

* (It should be pointed out, however, that loving someone does not include condoning a sinful practice nor approving of any sin. True biblical love is a caring concern for the welfare of another that motivates us to act on their behalf.)

Now sit back. Take a deep breath. Ask this question: “Am I a mature Christian or am I still a baby, spiritually?” If we grew physically as we have grown spiritually, how many of us would still be in a playpen? Insisting on a pacifier? Needing a security blanket? Requiring a lot of attention?

It is difficult sometimes to love a baby and we need to make sure we are not that baby others are having a difficult time loving. While we are striving to grow ourselves, let us encourage those who are still spiritually immature to grow and to stop being spiritual babies.

God gives each individual the choice. We can grow daily or remain a spiritual baby. What will you choose? God wants growth. What efforts will you make daily to become a mature Christian?

Let us study daily.