By Jeff Shroyer – Tipp City, Ohio
What does it mean to “grow in him” and what causes growth? Growing in the Lord first takes Holy Spirit, which God gives us at the new birth.
Secondly, we must put ourselves in conditions to grow. If I don’t read His Word, pray, and fellowship with other likeminded believers, growing can never begin. Growth is in relationship.
Anything God has made available in His Word is an area we can grow in. Within His new creation, the earth has grown and flourished because He created the sun and gave it light and water (rain) for nature to grow and thrive in.
Without the light and rain, it would be in darkness and never live. The same applies for growing up in the Lord.
Plant Intentionally
As we plant seeds in the areas of our lives where we want to see God bigger, we must be intentional, just as God was with his creation.
If I want to grow in FAITH, I must plant my feet in FAITH by digging into the Word of God and allowing God to nurture it. If I want to be in FAITH, I must be with the One who is my FAITH, my Father and his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
“So then neither is He that planteth anything, neither He that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:7 KJV
There are so many areas of life that we can grow in and become much more than we ever thought we could be. The cause of it all is the love of our Father God.
Love is a Catalyst
In 1 Corinthians, it says that without LOVE, we are nothing.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 NKJV
LOVE is the catalyst that allows spiritual growth. Without it, we are nothing and can do nothing that nurtures our growth.
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 KJV
God Does the Energizing
My personal journey in growing up in him over the past year-and-a-half has especially involved allowing God to energize my spiritual development. I have had to bury my head in His Word, learn to pray without ceasing, both in my understanding and in the spirit.
I’ve also learned to practice it more alongside my fellow believers. The studying and praying have been the easy parts for me, but my challenge has been manifesting it with others.
God is nudging me along and sprouting up things in my walk where I have seen growth, but I have a long way to go. Everyone’s season for growth looks different, and our loving God doesn’t put a time limit on our progress.
One verse of Scripture that always rings loudly for me is in Proverbs.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart and do not lean unto thine own understanding; acknowledge him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Within that directing is growth. I seek to grow beyond what I currently see in myself, and I know I’m becoming more Christ-like and mature as I stay faithful, just as his Word promises.
Pushing Towards Victory
One area of my life that I have planted seeds in is in physical healing. Since I still need more blessing in that area, I’ve made it a priority to push toward victory, not only for me, but also in the lives of others.
For over a year, I have prayed for a long list of my friends, family, and other believers around the world. I’ve made a “healing journal” to record every verse that pertains to healing and have written down the name of every person that I have prayed for in person or over the phone.
I have also read every book I can get my hands on about healing (many two or three times). I’m intentionally putting myself in good soil and allowing God to work. I’m excited to see where God takes it all!
For as much life as I have left in this body, I will continue to look to the Lord for growth.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4 NIV
That is the pinnacle of growth for me! Let’s remember that God is in love with us and when we follow him, we can grow into someone who looks like Christ.
Now that is love, that is power, and that is beauty!
Let’s grow in Him, so we can be like Him and do the works of His Son!
Jeff has been on a journey with the Lord for over 50 years, loving and serving in whatever capacity he has been led. He is married to Tonia, senior pastor of Christian Family Fellowship, and they have four children and four grandchildren.
He is retired from over 35 years in the printing industry and now spends much of his time in study, fellowship, travel, and watching his two grandsons.