Growing Up Growing “In”

Growing Up

Growing “In”

The word “IN” is very important to growing.

Most of us don’t realize we are growing.

But are we growing “In” the

right place and “In” the right way.

Growth should be natural but it is a good idea to examine

our growth from time to time to make sure everything

we are “In” will give us all we need to grow up into Him. 

The word “IN” is very important to growing.

There are two parts to this word…

The first way of looking at it is the place you are in.

 Like a plant it matters where it is planted.

We put seeds in small pots and

after they grow for a while…

 Then they become root bound and use up all the

nutrients of the soil, then stop growing and die.

Plants are very hearty but in a limited area of either

nutrients, sun or rain their growth is stunted.

Unlike plants, we can move.

 I say this cautiously because some of us move too much.

 It is important we find a good

place to grow with others…

A place where there is a constant

replenishing of spiritual nutrients.

Where weeds are not choking the life out of us

and others of faith in Christ are growing.

  

The second growing “In” is the person we become.

It is said of Jesus… He grew “In”…

Wisdom, Stature, Favor with God and man.

Wisdom is always teamed up with knowledge,

understanding, discernment and discipline.

It is impossible to have wisdom

without the other four.

 Over the time of our life all four must

be increasing or we stop growing.

Stature is maturity.

 It has to do with the development

of our body, soul and spirit.

There are two things that are sad…

 A mature body with a weak soul and spirit.

And a weak and sickly body

with a strong soul and spirit.

Our stature must always look to the needs

and development of spirit, soul and body.

God is at work to sanctify us spirit, soul and body

which means we must keep up with our coach in

order to have a healthy mature spirit, soul and body.

The last thing we see in Luke 2:52 is that

Jesus grew in favor, this is “Charis”.

Grace… The word grace is used so

much it has lost its meaning.

The definition that says it is unmerited favor

has limited our understanding of true grace.

Yes, Christ died on the cross purchasing, paying the

price for our sins so we can have access to the Father.

But we should never forget grace or

favor is something we are to grow in.

 There is a grace my children have

with me because I am their father.

A grace they did not earn and a grace others

who are not my children do not have.

But when they or anyone else does things that

please me they grow in a greater favor with me.

There are favorites in our lives

and there are favorites with God.

The beauty of God’s grace is… It increases

as we fulfill what we were created for.

The very things that will make

our lives rich and fulfilling.

Jesus grew in grace because He

sought the Father’s will and did it.

He was about His Father’s business.

2 Peter 3:18 says we too are to grow in grace and

in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Most of us don’t realize we are growing.

But are we growing “In” the

right place and “In” the right way.

Growth should be natural but it is a good idea

to examine our growth from time to time to

make sure everything we are “In” will give

us all we need to grow up into Him.  

Scripture Reading NIV

Luke 2:49-52

49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"  50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

2 Peter 3:18

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.