Articles
Let's Grow
The Bible depicts becoming a Christian as a birth. Peter noted that we are born again through the word of God (1 Peter 1:23), then he urged, “Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (2:1). Christians need to grow. . .
In knowledge. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a). It is a mistake when folks think they need to know everything about being a Christian before they can begin. There is much a babe in Christ does not yet know, and that’s okay; he just needs to keep learning.
In conviction. Paul cautioned against being “children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Instead, “. . . we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (v. 15). Growth in knowledge and conviction should go hand-in-hand.
In discernment. The Hebrews author spoke of the importance progressing beyond the milk of the word to meatier portions, not just for better intellectual understanding but to make better choices. “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (4:14). We need to progress in our ability to choose right over wrong, good over bad, beneficial over potentially harmful, etc.
In work. Paul wrote the young Christians at Thessalonica regarding their acts of love toward others, “For indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in Macedonia. But we urge you brethren, to excel still more” (1 Thessalonians 4:10; cf. v. 1). Always look for new opportunities. “Excel still more.”
This list is by no means exhaustive. As we grow in these areas we will grow in joy, in appreciation, in confidence, in usefulness, and in a great many other ways. Let’s grow!
