Articles
It's Your Choice
It’s Your Choice!
Greg King
Unlike physical growth, spiritual growth is a choice. Spiritual growth like emotional maturity occurs only when we choose to grow. If we do not make that choice and stick to it there will be no spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is a not an option reserved for a few select Christians. The Word of God commands us to grow. Spiritual growth requires diligent effort. People grow physically by default unless there is some disorder. No effort is required on our part to grow physically. We mature physically whether we want to or not. However, just because a person grows older doesn’t mean that they are growing spiritually. Spiritual growth requires a concentrated effort. Paul wrote that spiritual growth requires work. It requires a pressing on (Phil. 2:12; 3:13-14). Peter wrote that it requires diligence (2 Peter 1:5,10). Paul told Timothy that like physical health; spiritual growth requires regular exercise (1 Tim. 4:7-8).
We are not alone in our efforts to grow spiritually. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us (Phil. 2:12-13). He was with us in producing our new birth (Titus 3:5) and desires to complete the work He started when He saved us (Phil. 1:6). Our loving Father will strengthen us in our efforts. We can receive the strength in the inner man to grow (Eph. 3:16). We can find the needed armor to keep us safe as we grow (Eph. 6:10-11). There is no excuse not to grow for Christ strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13) Do you want to grow up in Christ? Open up God’s word and find the nourishment that will lead one into maturity as a child God. The choice is yours! You are welcome to join us as we seek to grow in Christ at the Decatur Township Church of Christ.
