The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Memory Verse: You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12
Everyone desires to grow in certain areas of their lives and while some seem to want that growth to cover a wide area of their lives; Spiritually, physically, academically, others are primarily focused on physical growth because they associate more with the things of the world and have prioritise the physical over spiritual therefore their minds are focused on gathering earthly treasures, Matthew 6:21. While physical growth is generally seen as a beautiful thing, how does one really grow? Does our desire for growth match our reality?
One day while taking to my friend about how my hair has simply refused to grow for a very long time, her response to me was “But you have not stimulated it or done anything to it”. For a long time, I kept thinking about how things grow and how I had to “pull my hair” and treat it to get the end result which I desired. It’s sounded simple and made sense but I just wasn’t really focused on it even though I had that desire of the end result. I simply loved the idea but truly I wasn’t dedicated to having that growth happen because though it will look just as I desire it, I simply had other priorities and hair growth was just somewhere at the bottom of my priority list. You cannot just fold your arms, do nothing and expect to grow.
It’s time for growth and never has there been a better time or opportunity to openly declare your faith and continue to grow than now. We are in a time where everyone is either confused or just there with no hope and whiles it may look like a bad time for development, it’s usually the best time for empowerment. The things you focus on doing now will become evident once the world settles back into its normal routine again and if growth is on your priority list, then it’s time to get to work.
As children of God, our Spiritual growth is essential in life, just as physical growth is essential to the life of a child. Spiritual growth isn’t necessarily related to time, position in the church, knowledge of religious activities and a host of other deeds. The Pharisees were busy with religious works and had no focus on the walk, fellowship and relationship with God. No one was further from the truth than they were as Jesus said in Matthew 7:23 “Then I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!”. Spiritual growth can only work when you actively begin to partner with the Holyspirit. Just like when you desire to have physical growth in an area of life, you begin to put everything into it until you achieve result so also is it for your spiritual development.
It’s is your commitment to growth that matters. It is giving your “heart” to God and glorifying Him 2 Peter3:18.
When you abandon the concept of glorifying God, you have cut yourself off from spiritual life and growth. If your heart is truly after God, then his word will reside and grow in you, day and night. Everything in your life will glorify God alone, not any man.
IF you desire to grow, commit it all to the Lord and begin to learn day and night at His feet. Dwell on His word, join groups round the world who can encourage your growth and continue one day at a time. You cannot grow just by doing it on Sabbath day only and picking it up the next Sabbath, else you will find yourself sinking into the cares of the world.
Growing is an intentional decision which will happen only when we pay the price. Are you ready to grow?
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank you for the power in your word
- Thank you for hearing me when I speak and pray
- Father help me from today to focus on the relationship with you and grow daily
- Father help me to lay aside every weight that holds me back and take away every impediments to my spiritual growth
- Forgive me of all my shortcomings O Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
- Thank you Lord for answers to prayers, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
