Peter’s exhortation in 2 Peter 3:18 to grow in the grace and knowledge of God has been a transformative journey in my faith. When I initially embraced Christianity, I wasn’t burdened with the expectation of being a biblical expert.
Those early days were characterized by a genuine curiosity and an eagerness to seek understanding. In fact, my new believer status led me to ask countless questions, reflecting the truth that I was venturing into unfamiliar territory.
Just as the verse suggests, my commitment to reading, studying, and engaging with Scripture allowed me to progressively grasp the depth of God’s wisdom. As I listened to insightful sermons and reached out to friends for clarification on various Bible passages, I discovered a growing sense of assurance in the vastness of God’s knowledge and His willingness to guide my steps.
Also, Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to grow in every respect, mirroring the attributes of Christ. This concept resonates deeply with me, reminiscent of witnessing my own children’s development.
Similar to the beginning stages of their lives when they relied on me for everything, I recognize a parallel in my spiritual journey. At the outset of my faith, I was similiar to an infant, utterly dependent on God’s grace and guidance. Much like the initial stages of a child’s life, I couldn’t walk, talk, or even understand spiritual concepts on my own.
However, with time and nurturing, children grow in independence. This mirrors the transformative process that takes place within us. Just as my children gradually transitioned from dependence to autonomy, I too moved from relying solely on others for spiritual sustenance to seeking knowledge and understanding independently through my relationship with God. It’s interesting to observe how spiritual growth, like physical growth, yields maturity and an alignment with the attributes of Christ.
Moreover, Colossians 2:6-7’s call to be rooted and built up in God strikes a chord, resonating with an experience from my own life. I vividly remember a time when my family encountered the ferocity of Hurricane Ian. This circumstance provided a vivid reminder of the importance of a solid foundation.
Our home, constructed with stucco and concrete, demonstrated resilience even in the face of the storm’s fury. This underscores the wisdom of being deeply rooted in God. Just as our home’s unshakable foundation prevented disaster, the firmness of my faith in God shields me from the adversities and temptations that life presents.
Additionally, Hebrews 6:1’s counsel to move beyond elementary teachings finds resonance in my journey of spiritual growth. I recall how my youngest son, Nolan, transitioned from consuming only liquid nourishment to embracing solid foods. This parallels the progression from basic understanding to deeper spiritual insights.
Much like the process of incorporating solid food into a child’s diet, I recognize how my spiritual diet evolved from mere foundational truths to a richer understanding of God’s Word. Just as Nolan’s growth involves embracing more complex learning, my growth necessitated delving into deeper theological concepts and grappling with profound spiritual truths.
Finally, John 15’s analogy of remaining in the vine speaks to a fundamental truth I’ve learned on my journey of growth in God. This idea strongly resonates with the experiences of my wife’s pregnancies.
As she carried our children, I witnessed firsthand the powerful connectedness between mother and child. The umbilical cord served as a lifeline, nourishing and sustaining our unborn children. Similarly, my growth and spiritual sustenance hinge on my connection with Christ. Just as my children’s survival depended on their physical connection to their mother, our spiritual vitality is contingent upon the abiding relationship with Christ.
In summary, my personal journey of growth in God reflects the stages of life itself. This voyage parallels our infancy, the strides we take in maturing, and the solidification of a steadfast foundation.
It’s reminiscent of watching my children’s development unfold. Each life event serves as a strong reminder that just as physical growth is a marvel to behold, so too is the process of spiritual transformation. Embracing these principles has not only deepened my understanding of Scripture but has also led me to a profound realization: the boundless potential of becoming more like Christ.
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