I Want to Grow

I have had the privilege of being a career high school teacher and administrator, including working as an athletics director, at a Christian school. During that career I’ve seen many students and athletes work extremely diligently at reaching their potential. I am constantly amazed at their commitment level and willingness to go beyond the expectations placed on a typical teenager.

Here’s the interesting thing about physical training - no one can train to be taller than the height they will reach as a result of their genetics and nutrition. Most people will see growth if they work on their fitness, strength or flexibility levels but height is one thing that humans have no control over.

When it comes to spiritual growth, however, the only limitation to our growth is our dedication to pursuing it. Throughout Scripture, God promises to meet those who follow after him. Psalm 119 is full of the benefits of pursuing God through his Word. In 2 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul reminds a young Timothy to continue in what he had been taught from childhood through the Old Testament because it will result in wisdom for his salvation. Paul concludes the paragraph by penning the memorable verses in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The correlation couldn’t be more clear for us. If we want to grow in our faith we must spend time getting to know our Heavenly Father through his Word and by communicating with him. He will never turn us away!

Father, fill me with a desire to grow in my relationship with you. I want to know you more and live more like you. Your ways are perfect and I stumble so often. Remind me each day that you long to deepen my faith and sanctify me according to your truth.

Throughout this day: Read Psalm 119 this week and allow God to speak to you through the author’s many declarations of power and insight that emerge from meditating on his Word