Growth: One Step at a Time

In our church in Spain, most attenders are first-generation Christians. By that, I mean they are usually the only born again Christians in their families. Most had not attended any church regularly before. So, everything is new: their faith, learning, church attendance, and their different lifestyle in Christ.

It's an education for us, as well. We're learning to be patient, as the biblical concepts we grew up with begin to take hold and flourish in our young believers. They're learning from zero, but we had the advantages of Christian families, church attendance from childhood, Christian friends, and a Christian college. All around us, we had a nurturing atmosphere, whereas they have opposition on every side. So, we try to nurture our own baby Christians and show patience with them as they learn the Bible and grow in the Lord.

Christian growth is a process. Growth doesn't happen overnight—in anyone's life. People need to be encouraged to grow, instructed in Truth, and be given the freedom to choose how they will follow the Lord for themselves.

So, what are the basic steps?

1. Be sure you've been born again. If a person has not taken that first birth step of faith, he's still dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1b). Jesus said, Ye must be born again (John 3:7). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-18). Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? That's the first step.
2. Drink milk. In the Bible, milk is the Word of God, the Bible itself. At the beginning of our Christian life, as in our physical life, milk is important for nourishment and growth. So it is with the Bible. It's extremely important if we're to grow spiritually. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).
3. Grow up as a Christian. Our goal is Christ likeness. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:13-15). But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).
4. Be able to teach and handle doctrine and the "meat" of the Word of God. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you (Titus 2:1-8). 

Unfortunately, some Christians don't grow as they should. Obviously, they've slowed down or left out learning the Bible. It's nothing new. Even in biblical times, Christian leaders were disappointed.

• The Apostle Paul said, I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able (1 Corinthians 3:2).
• The author of Hebrews also said, For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat (Hebrews 5:12).

What can be done? Whether you're a new Christian or one who's been a believer for a long time, take stock. Ask yourself:

• Am I daily spending time in the Bible and in prayer?
• Am I growing in knowing God? Do I know Him better today than I did last year?
• Am I growing in faith? Am I able to trust the Lord better today than I did last year? Am I practicing my faith in Him?
• Am I an obedient Christian? Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).
• Am I learning the Bible? Am I active in Bible study?
• Am I a mature Christian? Am I yet able to teach?

I pray we're all growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.