Growing Up "In Him"

In Jim Cymbala’s book “Breakthrough Prayer”, he includes a chapter titled, Breakthrough to Fruitfulness. Jim recalls his worries as a child growing up about whether he would be tall enough to play basketball. He loved playing the game and took advantage of every opportunity to play. His preoccupation with his height led to pencil marks left all over the walls, as he tried to mark how much he had grown from month to month. Jim writes, “I wish we Christians today were as concerned about our spiritual growth as I was back then about my physical growth.”

Jesus said, “You must be born again.” Birth, marks the beginning of growth. As physical birth marks the beginning of physical growth, being “born again” marks the beginning of spiritual growth. Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual growth as much as healthy food is important for physical growth. We are exhorted in scripture to “crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (I Peter 2:2)

When our children are growing up we like to monitor their growth. If they are not growing as they should we become concerned and we may even talk to the doctor about it. What is a key indicator of growth in our spiritual lives? It is a life bearing the right kind of fruit. Jesus taught us that a life which “remains in Him” will bear fruit. A fruitful life is a life that reflects the character of Christ in all that we do; our thoughts our words and our actions. But what does it mean to “remain in Him”?

I love to watch the eyes of my granddaughter light up when she sees someone she recognizes. There is no one that can bring a broader smile to her face however than that of mom and dad. They have made the greatest investment in her life. They have fed her, held her when she was hurting, provided security for her when she was afraid, spent the most time laughing and playing with her, and are there when she goes to sleep and when she wakes up. Even when it comes time to discipline her, in a healthy relationship, she will still long for their arms and embrace. She most desires to be with mom and dad. Our Heavenly Father loves us that much and more. When we come to accept and know that truth, we will give ourselves to a deeper level of conformity to His will for our lives. We will most desire to be with Him. Even when we become busy with life, He will still be at the forefront of every thought. Our lives will be filled with the confidence that He is right there when we lay our head on our pillow at night and will still be there when we wake up in the morning. It is that “remaining in Him” that Charles Spurgeon says is the power in prayer. Jesus says that as we remain in Him, we may ask whatever we wish and it will be given.

We will soon be entering the holiday season with Thanksgiving and then followed up by Christmas. Take hold of every opportunity to get closer to your Heavenly Father this season. Wait with Him in prayer, spend time in His word, don’t miss the opportunities of worship together with the family of God, spend time in solitude with Him, take the time to serve others and take the time to simply enjoy the life He has given you.

As you grow up “in Him”, may your life be filled with the blessings that a loving Heavenly Father wants to pour out in abundance on you each day. Know His love, peace, comfort, assurance, joy and hope. Run into His open arms every day. He is waiting for you.