Growing on the Journey

Those of us who profess being disciples of Christ are to attain knowledge of the Son of God that we might become mature in Christ (Eph. 4:11-16). We are no longer to be "children tossed here and there by waves . . ." (v. 14); rather, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head (v. 15). Paul goes on to say that this growth is to occur for the proper working of each part of the body and for the building up of the body (v. 16). This is how Paul spoke of church growth. It is about maturity in Christ.

Let me illustrate what Paul said for you in terms of what this means for the church and for inviduals. If I have a baby born into this world but refuse to feed that baby or do not feed the baby properly, what is going to happen? The baby will suffer from malnutrition and will not grow properly and will very possibly die. The point is that local churches must provide spiritual food and teaching that will nourish the spiritual growth of disciples - feeding/teaching the church/disciples is not an option!

Let’s turn the tables for a moment. Suppose I have a baby born into this world but that baby refuses to eat or nurse. The baby shows no interest in the food and nourishment offered. There is no hunger or appetite for food. What happens to a parent in that situation? One thing - ALARM! Something is wrong with this baby and if that problem is not corrected, we are going to have one very sick baby. The point is that disciples are to seek out spiritual nourishment for their souls that they might grow in Christ. Healthy disciples are hungry for Christ and His Word.

In 2 Peter 3, Peter says that followers of Christ are to be on guard against those who are untaught and unstable. The reason to be on guard is so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness. Rather than fall away, we are
to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (v. 18). How am I going to do that? Can I do this all on my own? The Bible says that we cannot do it on our own; God has not intended for us to do that on our own. We need the body of Christ, the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). What is at stake when I forsake the assembly of the church is not just my personal growth but the growth of the entire body. As a disciple of Christ, I must be concerned about that growth and seek to encourage others in following Christ on a well-spent journey.