By: Joel Ramirez
Not a day goes by that my children don’t mention with excitement their ambition to grow up. Their enthusiasm always outweighs any trepidation they occasionally show in growing older. They are truly excited to grow! Do you remember that excitement you felt when you were baptized? Do you still have that fervent zeal to grow in your spirituality? When we review the steps of salvation, once a Christian, our duty is to continue to grow (Ephesians 4:15-but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-). Much like a recipe, the combination of steps only works when we follow all of them. Our salvation is no different. We do not finish a faithful life without continuing to grow spiritually. I am reminded of Jesus in Matthew 18:3 where he states “…unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This has several references to our Christianity but one of the most wonderful attributes of a child we can have is the desire to grow. But how do we grow and how do we maintain our faith so that it is more tomorrow than it is today? One of the most important ways to grow is to study daily. It is not enough that we read the Bible daily. To study is to actually compare context like our brethren in Berea who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so”, Acts 17:11. When we remember that the Bible is not the accumulation of several men putting in their opinions as perspectives but a greater conjunction of God’s message and guidance for us through several writers who were guided by God what to write, it is apparent that not one scripture stands on its own but supported by every other scripture. As in 2nd Timothy 3:16-“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. This also means when we study one verse, there is another verse that offers additional perspective. There is a harmony in the scriptures that allows us to find greater meaning in our studying. We must also practice what we have learned. It is imperative to put into practice that which we have learned, James 1:22-“But be doers of the word and not hearers only”. Knowledge without application is the making of a dead faith. The scriptures are given to us as THE instruction manual that fits the complexity of life. The Bible gives us many examples of people who were successful and many who have failed, to help us in our own trials and tribulations. James also points out in 1:25 that we have the perfect law of liberty and that one who is not a forgetful hearer will be blessed in what he does. There is great power of assurance in those words. Lastly, we must put our faith in God. This is ultimately the key to growing. If we have the faith as great as a mustard seed we can move a mountain, Matthew 17:20. I have yet to see anyone move a mountain and this just shows us all how much room we have to grow. I often wonder about how great Peter’s faith was to have walked upon the water to Christ. This is a man who saw the miracles and heard the lessons directly from the mouth of our Savior. How close was he to that mustard seed? This example shows how powerful our faith in God can be and what potential there is when we put our trust in the Lord. We show our faith by giving our cares and concerns to God in prayer. We show our faith by not relying on our own intuition but trusting in the plan God has for each of us. And, as Peter says in 2 Peter 1:5-8, our faith is the base on which we build to never be barren and to be fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We all run into blocks and obstacles that can hinder us from growing. But when we look back, it is these hurdles that allow us to test our strength and promote growth. So next time you feel stagnant, look to the children to find that eagerness to grow. Be like a child and focus on the finish line and not only on the difficulties of the journey because that finish line is life eternal with our God. Rely on God, work your faith, never stray from the word of God and the growth will always follow.