How Can I Grow in God?
This simple thing can help make it happen.
By Debra Torres
In C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” books, there's a scene when
Aslan (the author’s Jesus figure)
says to the little girl Lucy, “every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”
Many years ago when I first read that line, I was a fairly new Christian, and the meaning of it pierced my heart.
As I approach the 30th year of my Christian walk, I can honestly say that the truth of Lewis’ line is rock solid. I think, though, that the keyword in it is “grow.”
Just as we expect our children to grow emotionally and physically, Christians are called to grow in God.
Not too long ago, there was a tussle in my home between two of my children. One asked if he could go onto the computer to play and, just at that moment, the other remembered that he had to use the computer for homework.
Because their requests came practically at the same time, we instantly had conflict as they chose to handle it the wrong way.
You know as a parent, sometimes I just shake my head. The problem could be easily solved with kindness, selflessness and simple compromise. I guess we’re not there yet. It’s coming though, I know it is.
Aslan (the author’s Jesus figure)
says to the little girl Lucy, “every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”
Many years ago when I first read that line, I was a fairly new Christian, and the meaning of it pierced my heart.
As I approach the 30th year of my Christian walk, I can honestly say that the truth of Lewis’ line is rock solid. I think, though, that the keyword in it is “grow.”
Just as we expect our children to grow emotionally and physically, Christians are called to grow in God.
Not too long ago, there was a tussle in my home between two of my children. One asked if he could go onto the computer to play and, just at that moment, the other remembered that he had to use the computer for homework.
Because their requests came practically at the same time, we instantly had conflict as they chose to handle it the wrong way.
You know as a parent, sometimes I just shake my head. The problem could be easily solved with kindness, selflessness and simple compromise. I guess we’re not there yet. It’s coming though, I know it is.
I think sometimes about our Christian walk and how incredibly similar it can be to the maturation process of a child.
I know when I first became a Christian, my walk with Christ was so brand new that I didn’t even know how to say "1 Peter" correctly, let alone pronounce the Old Testament book "Leviticus."
I remember my Christian girlfriends giggling good naturedly at my mistakes and gently redirecting me when I got off track.
Just like the child grows, we are called to grow in God and not allow our walk with him to come to a standstill.
Paul, frustrated about divisions in the church of Corinth, says in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?”
Can you imagine a grown adult still sucking milk from a bottle? Not a pretty sight.
I know when I first became a Christian, my walk with Christ was so brand new that I didn’t even know how to say "1 Peter" correctly, let alone pronounce the Old Testament book "Leviticus."
I remember my Christian girlfriends giggling good naturedly at my mistakes and gently redirecting me when I got off track.
Just like the child grows, we are called to grow in God and not allow our walk with him to come to a standstill.
Paul, frustrated about divisions in the church of Corinth, says in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?”
Can you imagine a grown adult still sucking milk from a bottle? Not a pretty sight.
There are some simple things we all can do to grow in God.
The most important one I’ve found is to spend time in the Bible. I remember when I was a young Christian, I committed myself to reading a chapter in the Bible a day.
It’s a simple thing really, just one chapter, but doing it diligently can get you through the Bible and back again in a few years.
I remember hearing a churched young lady tell me once that she wasn’t very familiar with the Bible. This shocked me. The scripture says that the Word of God is our sword against Satan. Now, that’s like going into battle without a weapon.
The most important one I’ve found is to spend time in the Bible. I remember when I was a young Christian, I committed myself to reading a chapter in the Bible a day.
It’s a simple thing really, just one chapter, but doing it diligently can get you through the Bible and back again in a few years.
I remember hearing a churched young lady tell me once that she wasn’t very familiar with the Bible. This shocked me. The scripture says that the Word of God is our sword against Satan. Now, that’s like going into battle without a weapon.
My son, in preparation to perform in a Christmas concert a few years ago, tried on dress clothes from the previous summer.
Surely, they’ll fit him, I thought, we bought them just last summer.
He was a sight when he came down to show me. His pants were tight and a bit short and the shirt sleeves crept up his forearms. It looked like the clothes had shrunk!
Wouldn’t it be great if we could say the same about how we’ve grown in Christ each season?
That old negative attitude? It doesn’t fit any more - I do all things without complaining and arguing (Philippians 2:14). A depressed spirit? Nope, it’s a little snug - I’ve got the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Anxiety? High waters! - I’ve got the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Let’s get off that old milk bottle and see what a feast the Father has set before us as we grow in him!
Grab some "solid food" and read the Bible verses below...
Surely, they’ll fit him, I thought, we bought them just last summer.
He was a sight when he came down to show me. His pants were tight and a bit short and the shirt sleeves crept up his forearms. It looked like the clothes had shrunk!
Wouldn’t it be great if we could say the same about how we’ve grown in Christ each season?
That old negative attitude? It doesn’t fit any more - I do all things without complaining and arguing (Philippians 2:14). A depressed spirit? Nope, it’s a little snug - I’ve got the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Anxiety? High waters! - I’ve got the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Let’s get off that old milk bottle and see what a feast the Father has set before us as we grow in him!
Grab some "solid food" and read the Bible verses below...
Here are some Bible verses that'll help you on your journey:
Hebrews 5:12
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again.You need milk, not solid food!
Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again.You need milk, not solid food!
Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.