Next Level

… grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 3:18, NKJV)

Everything that has life increases and grows day by day.  This is happens to all whether through conscious effort where one is focused to improve or expand in a certain area as we see with professional advancement, or unconsciously as happens with children and offsprings of animals.  Growing from one level to another is a journey that takes place daily.  I like to think of it as an equalizer to all living things.  Growth is a confirmation of life, when a plant or individual is not living, no further growth is experienced.  A famous quote by William S. Burroughs captures the importance of growth: “when you stop growing, you start dying”.  Looking at human beings, a child who is about to enter teenage is usually excited by the growth, then into young adults and full adults, all these are steps of growth which many enjoy as growing up.  There then comes the old age stage which at times does not elicit the same intensity of excitement though there is acceptance.  Regardless of whichever stage of life one is in, there is still the next level to step into so long as they have breath. It is important that we are deliberate about our growth, for that helps us measure progress as well as give us satisfaction of strides made.

While we tend to focus more on our physical growth, it is critical that we also consider other aspects or areas in which we can increase or expand.  Examples are intellectual growth, financial growth, emotional growth etc.  Our reference verse calls on us to grow spiritually and the evidence of our progress needs to be in the areas of grace and knowledge in Jesus Christ.  When we consciously acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus in our lives, we are considered spiritual babies, new born into the faith.   The word of God is our food and from it, we can get all levels of nourishment for our growth in faith.  Like a natural child the stature and character changes along each step of growth.  The same thing with our faith journey, we are to be individuals who manifest a change of behaviour and character over time as we grow.  Apostle Peter refers to the things that we need to let go off:  malice, deceit, hypocrisy etch and this is only possible when we have desired and ingested pure milk of the word of God (1 Peter 2:1-2).  He reminds us that we have tasted the goodness of God at the point of believing and now need to go a step further, not just taste but take in the word of God as our food.  Beloved, that should quicken us to realize that we cannot continue to remain the same over the years after we have connected to God. 

There must be observable changes in our lives where our appetites in life are changed, just like happens with growing children.  Apostle Paul gives the next level of growth from infancy where we now take in solid foods as mature people, practicing to distinguish good and evil and embracing righteousness (Hebrews 5:13-14).  This is where our senses and choices demonstrate a discerning spirit.  Babies will not know right from wrong but adults will, that is the same way our spiritual maturity manifests in our daily lives.   It takes our commitment to spend time in the word listening to the voice of God to grow.  As we mature in our faith, the bible tells us that we are transformed in the image of the glory of God, each step being a confirmation of rising from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).  Beloved, growth is expected of us.  Just as we take deliberate steps to grow in our different areas of life, we must also take stock of our spiritual growth, choosing to leave the current level we maybe have dwelt on for so long and moving up higher by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thoughts:

What tangible growth can be identified in your life?

How do you ensure continued spiritual advancement?

What hinders your spiritual growth?