Look at How You've Grown!

It’s probably something we remember all too well: sore cheeks, embarrassing attempts to hide behind our parents, and so on. It probably occurred most often at the holidays, family reunions, weddings, or funerals (although a chance occurrence in Wal-Mart isn’t out of the question). It’s seeing that distant relative or long-lost friend of the family who hasn’t seen you as a kid in a long period of time. They remember you when you were “this little.” And now they’re astonished at how much you’ve grown. Growth is a natural part of our human lives.

Likewise, spiritual growth should be a continual part of our lives as well. Our faith, devotion, and efforts for the Lord need to increase year by year, month by month, and day by day. Jesus tells a familiar parable in Luke 8. We recognize it from Matthew 13 more often, but its recording in Luke is insightful just as well. Notice our Savior’s words:

“A sower when out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold” (Luke 8:5-8).

We often title this parable, “The Parable of the Sower.” More correctly, it probably should be known as “The Parable of the Soils.” The emphasis is on those who “hear the word.” In the verses that follow the parable, Jesus explains the meaning of this earthly story:

• The seed is the word of God (8:11)
• Along the path — those who hear, but the devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts (8:12)
• On the rock — hear the word, receive it with joy, but have no root; they believe for a while, “and in the time of testing fall away” (8:13)
• Among thorns — Those who hear, but as they grow, they are choked by the riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature (8:14)
• Good soil — hear the word, hold on to it with an honest and good heart, and then bear fruit with endurance (8:15)

The logical question we must all ask ourselves is, “Which soil are we?” Have we allowed the word of God to grow within us during the past year? We’ve had wonderful growth from a congregational standpoint this past year. Has it included your spiritual growth? Have you produced fruit from months and years of faithfulness to God, His word, and His work? Or have you dried up because of difficult trials (like the seeds on the rock)? Or have you choked the word with the pursuit of riches and pleasure?

We need to continually reflect upon all the good things our Father has given us. Most of all, he’s given us His word that we might know Him and that we might obey Him unto salvation. A large part of obedience unto salvation is not only remaining faithful, but growing in His sight.

From Jesus’ description of the “good soil,” the seed grew because the soil held on with endurance. It also grew because of an honest and good heart. The result was long-term (not overnight) growth of the plant—and fruit was produced.

We can also see other keys to growth by looking at what didn’t work in the parable. The seed that fell on the rock withered away “because it had no moisture.” Are we trying to water other people’s lives like Apollos did (1 Cor. 3:6)? The seed that was choked died because of the influence of riches and pleasures. Have we set our priorities so that these things won’t hinder our spiritual growth?

As we begin the process of reflecting on the past year, may we look back and see growth in the eyes of God. And no matter our stature of growth in the past year, may we make steps to ensure spiritual growth in the new year and beyond! Have a great week.