Penmanship Express 1

But Grow

We are to grow in God. If we are to be in God’s kingdom, drinking from this fruit of the vine, where dwells the tree of life, we are to grow. In essence, if we are to return to God’s garden of Eden, a paradise, a place absent of death but one of peace and tranquility, where everything is lively and flourishing, we, too, are to be one of growth.

But Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - II Peter 3:18

Growth is a believer’s mandate in God. What is growth? Growth is defined as development; gradual in size. It is development from a simpler to a more complex stage. In one living in fellowship with God, growth is the outcome of the relationship because God reveals more of himself to us for us to know and understand of him. Growth is humbling but is not shameful. Growth is humbling in the sense of coming to see things that were once understood with, now, further understanding. Growth is also humbling through the means by which the growth comes. Growth is common, yet growth can be rejected. Growth can be refused. Growth is not automatic but has to be desired and received. One has to inwardly desire to be right — perfection — for there to be a constant, ongoing activity of growth within one’s life. There has to be an inward reverence or pursuit of truth. Growth is wholly personal. One can be subjected to an environment or circumstances, yet there can still reside a desire for more. Such an individual is not confined or entitled to be a product of their environment but can outgrow their surroundings.

            People can outgrow their ways. People can outgrow their teaching. People can outgrow their lifestyle. People can outgrow their preferences. People can outgrow their views. Growth is simply changing for the better. However, not all “better” is good. In some situations, the “better” is worse. Notwithstanding, the “better” is refinement towards wherever one has developed.

            The scriptures are full of growth. Again, growth is good — in good things. Growth is only perceived as a shame unto one whose eyes need to attain more growth. Here are examples in the scriptures of those who received growth.

Apollos – His Ministry

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. While Aquilla and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he desired to cross Achia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 18:24-28)

Though Apollos had a good understanding, was in the spirit with what he was saying, and was zealous, God yet saw fit to move Aquilla and Priscilla to improve his ministry by taking him aside and explaining to him the way of God more accurately. Apollos did not have to receive the tutelage. He could have become offended. But it was in his spirit to receive growth: he held a desire to be right — to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. 

Growth comes at times when we least expect it, and when we are unaware that we require it. Growth comes at times in an unconventional way. Nevertheless, it always comes to do us well, to enhance our living, or to improve our efforts.

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But Grow

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