SPIRITUAL GROWTH

1 Peter 2:2

Like new born babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

1 Peter 2 vs 3

“Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put ways of childhood behind me.

Philippians 1 vs 6

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

I think Peter had a breastfeeding mother in mind when he made this statement on 1 Peter 2 verse 2. Peter understood that when a child craves for milk, they find a way to communicate that craving and when a child is being fed milk, they are filled with joy and satisfaction.

One will understand that our flesh requires food in order to grow or to be full and our spiritual beings requires the food for the soul which is the word of God.

To me spiritual growth refers to obedience and your ability to listen when God speaks.

The reality is, no one wants to be stagnant in life, hence you find us trying our level best to enhance our lives. In fact, the human nature doesn't allow us to be stagnant. Hence you don't just drink milk for the rest of your life.

You slowly get introduced to solid food as you grow. We need to acknowledge each stage of life as they are necessary for our growth.

Spiritual growth requires us to trust God, not attaching any conditions to our trust in God. Trusting God is knowing that God had your best interest at heart as your loving Father. One of the analogies that could help us understand trust is from the stage of a new born baby to a stage of being an infant and then toddler. When a kid is being introduced to solid food, you start by feeding them soft food, like mash, gem squash or pumpkin etc. A kid may cry when they see you eating your food as they don't know best, but you as a parent know best. You don't feed your child food that isn't meant to be eaten by toddlers.

It is important to note that growing in Christ is a biblical principle and we are expected to grow spiritually. Paul said, in Colossians 1: 9 -10

[Colossians 1:9]

For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

[Colossians 1:10] to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Although growing in Christ is a biblical principle, it does not always happen in favourable conditions. In many times it comes through sufferings in the path of obedience to God's infallible word which is why James 1: 2-4 says

[James 1:2]

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

[James 1:3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

[James 1:4]

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Jesus Christ himself said, "Every branch in me that does bear fruits he prunes, that it may bear more fruits (John15:2). The pruning process is necessary for our growth and effectiveness in Christ.

2019 was a difficult year in South Africa and throughout the world because of the COVID 19 outbreak which claimed many lives. Christians were not exempt from these sufferings. Not only did we lose our loved ones during this pandemic but church services were suspended. The Christian gathering plays a significant role in the life of a Christian as it is commanded in:

[Hebrews 10:24]

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,

[Hebrews 10:25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

When one of our family members tested positive for Covid 19, reality hit us and God used this phase to bring me closer to Him. I spent most times praying and studying the scriptures which were effective means of my spiritual growth.

Growing in the Lord means understanding the Lord's yeses and the noes and not allowing any hurdles hinder your growth process.

Having a personal relationship with God makes the whole process a bit more soothing. That soothing comes with contentment and fulfilment.