One of the things that we all look forward to is growing up. Well, most of us want to grow. We want our kids to grow up. We want to grow up ourselves. But then when we are grown it is like we growing too much, and our thought is we should be a kid again.
There is a constant struggle going on. Growth is natural. We are made to grow. Yet to stay a kid forever and not grow up is not natural. Do you get that? When someone is not growing, there is a problem. Think of that physically. And the same is true spiritually.
Without growth there is a major problem. That is true in our bodies. That is true in us spiritually. That is why we need to make sure a few things are happening.
First, I need to make sure I am growing. Stay close to God. Be in the word. Spend time in church. Be with people that help you grow. Make sure there aren’t things in the way.
Second, I am to help others grow. My family being first. Those around me next.
When God spoke about growth, He talked to His church and to the leaders of the church. One such leader was the Apostle Peter.
John 21:16 NIV
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John (Peter), do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
Growth is vital. Peter was confronted by God to help the people grow. Take care of them. Guide them. Love them.
Often God referred to people as sheep. Sheep are not the most intelligent animal. They need a shepherd, and that is just what God does for us.
1 Peter 2:25 NIV
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Jesus used that phrase, and it was used many times for people and their need. Be honest. That is our need. We have gone astray or away from God.
In the message yesterday at The Community Fellowship we talked about the need for Christmas to grow to be more like Jesus. Yet the problem is when we are moving away from God, we are not growing. When we are coming closer to God, we are growth and become more like Jesus.
John 10:11 NIV
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus gave His life for us. We too can give our lives to serve others and to become more like Jesus. That is what God called us to be. We are made to, destined to, instructed to… become more like Jesus.
That is the best kind of growth for those who choose to follow God!
Romans 8:29 NIV
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
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