Young Adults' Group

Checking On Our Growth

by Pastor Mark
June 25, 2020

A time to reflect on our spiritual growth

We have come to the mid-point of 2020. It has been an unexpected first six months of the year. There is so much that we have experienced through the COVID virus crisis. It is an appropriate time for us to reflect on how we have grown in faith.

At the beginning of the year, Pastor Charles taught us about learning to grow spiritually. I remember how he helped us to rethink what 1 Peter 2:2 meant, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby”. The point of comparison is about growth and not so much about newborn babies. It is meant for all of us to learn to grow and not just for new Christians.

The Apostle Peter used the word “logikon” which means “spiritual, logical”. It is a reference to the spiritual and logical things that help us grow. While “logikon” is a reference to the Word of God, it could also be referring to an example, a book or a person. These spiritual things can help us to grow significantly and to inspire us to increase our faith.

Checking the way that we have been growing

Have we learnt to rely on these spiritual things to help us to grow our faith? The Word of God has been taught to us through the weekly videos and Pastor’s daily emails. Let us check how the Word of God has helped us to grow spiritually. Have we sought to learn to grow through other spiritual things like reading a good Christian book? A good Christian book can inspire our faith. Let us also be encouraged by good examples of faith through these challenging times. Let us continue to rely on these spiritual things to help us grow.

Comparing ourselves to the growth of the Lord Jesus

Let us also consider the amazing example of the growth of the Lord Jesus. Let us check ourselves against the kind of growth that the Lord Jesus experienced through the grace of God.

1. Strong in spirit (Luke 2:40)

The Lord Jesus became strong is spirit. He continuously grew His spirit to be one that was significantly strong. What about us? Let us check whether we have grown stronger in spirit.

2. Wisdom… “filled with wisdom” (Luke 2:40)

The Lord Jesus was filled with the wisdom of His Father. He kept increasing in wisdom. (Luke 2:52) Have we been able to grow in the wisdom of God? Let us consider carefully.

3. Stature… “and stature…” (Luke 2:52)

Stature is about the standing that one has. As we seek to do well in all things, our standing in the community and church would also grow. Let us check whether our stature has grown.

4. Favour with God… “and in favour with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

In relating to His Father closely and consistently, the Lord Jesus knew how to live His life and to fulfil His work that would be pleasing to God. Have we been able to draw closer to God and to live our lives that much more pleasing to Him? Let us seek to check our faith and life.

5. Favour with men… “and in favour with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

The Lord Jesus was blameless in all His ways. The kind of growth that Jesus had was also pleasing in the eyes of men. Let us seek to grow well that we may be pleasing to those around us. Let us be challenged to keep growing spiritually in all areas of our life.

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