There is a small tree in our backyard that has grown little, if any, in the past ten years. It lives a perpetual state of eclipse because of the bigger trees that surround it.
If a child doesn't grow, parents take that child to the doctor to find out what's wrong.
When someone opens a business they do so counting on the fact that demand will cause growth.
Investors that can't bring growth are soon left with the sting of inflation shrinking an asset quicker than interest can add to it.
Matthew chapter 25 tells the story (parable) of an owner that entrusted "talents" with some employees with the assumed task of growing them. If you remember the story two people did grow what was given to them and one didn't. The one who didn't was toast!
Growth was the expectation. If you read the text the point of the story was that the "kingdom of heaven" would come at a time that would not be announced in advance – so, be ready. It's not about money, it's about the expectation of God for his people.
Readiness was the expectation and growth was the expectation.
A tree that isn't growing is an oversized weed. A child that doesn't grow is a medical dilemma. A business that doesn't grow is an unbearable weight. An investment that doesn't grow is a liability. A Christian that doesn't grow is a….
God has wired things so that they would grow - including our souls. Stagnation is as dangerous to the Christian as lack of sun is to a tree. The problem is the tree can't move - we can.
"Lord, how do you want to grow me? Are you growing me through situations that require more faith, people that require more patience, or insights into your nature that require more application. Lord, how do you want to grow me?
Here's the thing Lord, I've been stuck for a while and need a time of growing up in you. My maturity is frozen. My worship is predicable. My prayer is cold. My journey is murky.
So Lord, either help me cut down the trees that are in the way or uproot me and replant me. May I know the invigorating rays of the Son until the cells in my spirit are bursting with nutrients. May my roots grow deep enough to weather any storm and my branches reach high enough applaud You with all that I am."
Growth is an expectation.
Not Satisfied with Staying the Same,
Pastor Dave