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Are you growing as a Christian?

We all should be living in the soil of the grace of God in order to mature as grown-up children of God. We grow downward and then upward.

The spiritual life of all of us is similar as an analogy. Grace allows growth, humility enables grace. When a plant is introduced into the soil in which it must grow, it grows in two directions. It begins by growing downward then upward. That which was originally planted, slowly begins to die as it grows upward. The original seed dies as it becomes new as it moves upward, and finally returns to the soil downward.

But the new living plant continues to grow upward. It does so until it has matured and becomes ripe so it can gathered together with thousands (or millions) of like plants that are producing fruit. Finally, it is harvested along with millions of other plant's mature fruit.

At times, the seed that was planted seems to struggle against the soil above and the hardness of the soil below, but it begins to push harder, and struggle with that above and that beneath. But as it struggles, it becomes stronger and more mature.

Then one day it burst out into the light above as a mature - but still growing - plant. Each seed has produced a unique plant. There has never been two seed exactly alike. All are unique. And the mature plant will always be unique. It struggled and finally broke free of what it was to begin with.

The Apostle Paul spoke this principle regarding his life as he struggled with living out his calling. He refers to his struggle with a weakness when he says:

" And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me .Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

He knew the value of struggling against the soil in which he had been planted. He was being made stronger in order to receive the reward of some day bursting through the soil of a burial into the glorious light of eternity for which we all long for. In his last recorded words prior to his death he said:.

"[And indeed] the Lord will certainly deliver and draw me to Himself from every assault of evil. He will preserve and bring me safe unto His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (so be it)". - 2 Timothy 4:18

If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are growing. It may not be by leaps and bounds, but you are growing. If you are a new Christian, you may be adjusting to the environment of the new soil into which you have been placed. God knows all about you. He know where you are, and He is preparing the soil around you to enable you to grow and mature for the harvest. You have already been planted in the soil that the eternal Farmer chose just for you. Be faithful and patient.

Let Him have His way with you. You are destined to break out of the soil in which you have been placed, and live forever in the bright light of eternal life.

" But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! - 2 Peter 3:18

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

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