Grow up
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (NIV) 2 Peter 3:18
Naturally, we have positive expectations of growth and development in our various endeavours (e.g. businesses, professions, schooling, families, churches, communities etc.). So, shouldn't we aspire to grow and develop in our Christian pursuits as well? God does not want us to be stunted and unproductive followers so let’s strive to always grow up as Christians.
The first point to consider in Christian growth is the desire for growth. How willing are you to grow in the Lord? Where there is a will, there is a way. God will not force you to grow but if you make the right move, God will provide you with all the necessary resources to grow beyond expectations.
Secondly, have faith and trust in the Lord for the right direction to grow. Faith can mean: F -Forsaking, A – All, because I – I, T – Trust, in H – Him. Seek the required knowledge for growth and development. The knowledge Christians need today is the knowledge of God’s will and what He would want us to do. Knowledge is important because it leads to eternal life (John 17:3). We will live in darkness and deprived of growth when we do not know God (Prov. 19:2).
Thirdly, be positive for God has guaranteed a successful plan for humanity. Follow it with all obedience and be ready to pay the cost involved. Moral courage is the determination to do what is right, endure, persevere, and press on towards a good Christian life no matter the circumstances. Let us run our Christian race with consistency and constancy to achieve the desired prize of eternal life in heaven.
We should not grow and mature into things abominable before God. Rather, let us grow into valuable and usable personalities for God, the church, and our societies. God bless you!