Growth is not a natural process, its a reactive response......
What does that mean? For example does a plant grow miraculously in your front yard without any attention or effort? Do children grow without food or beverage? What about your house did it build itself? Did it grow into what it is today without any labor, effort or cost?
These examples seem crazy and somewhat silly or exaggerative. However, look at churches today...... We see this mindset, or thought process all around today. Christians get saved and feel or get the impression that they have arrived. The work’s all done now.......
However the Bible begs to differ. It tells us and shows us very clearly that salvation is the first step, and quite frankly the easiest. True repentance and understanding or belief in what Jesus Christ did for all of us should compel, and implore us to do more, be more, live differently, live out loud for Him.
Look at the example of the Apostle Paul, He thought, being a Pharisee, that he had arrived, however, a few years in the desert at Jesus Christ (Missionary Baptist ; - ) ) Seminary and He came out a changed man willing to sacrifice all for the furtherance of the gospel. His growth cost him stature, money, comfortability, and ultimately his life. This growth did not come overnight or without effort. It was how he reacted to the situations that were around him. It was a reaction to what God had done for him. The work that it took to bring salvation and ultimately a conversion experience was not easy, even for God, it cost Him His Son.
Paul’s response to the situations that God and even Satan and the world put in his path, were also a major portion of his growing process, as well as a large amount of his growing pains. Most importantly how Paul responded to each of these situations determined how others would grow. Had he shouted curses at the Phillipian jailers instead of prayers and hymns how much more would their growth or potential growth or salvation experience have been affected?
In conclusion, I want to implore each and everyone of us that calls ourselves Christian, that is to be a follower of Christ, to seek and to save that which is lost. (Luke 19:10) To live a life reciprocating the same Love and devotion God showed us. As well as react to the situations that are presented in our lives in a way that brings honor and glory to an Almighty God. Respond to these stimuli in a way that causes positive growth not only in your lives but also to those around you that can and may be influenced by you.
