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Growing Up

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

Why is it that we want to grow up when we are kids, and when we are adults, we want to be kids? Is it the "grass is greener on the other side of the fence" syndrome? Might be. 

Whatever it is, it is impossible to accomplish either scenario. We, as adults, are always saying or thinking, "What on earth? How did you grow so fast?" when we know very well what has happened. Time has ticked away steadily and constantly. Time does that. On the other end of that spectrum, we might look longly to the past, wanting to return to our childhood. 

Children will grow with time because growth is natural; only an early death can stop it. Sometimes we might hug a little one very hard and say, "I'm not going to let you grow up!" In reality, we’re expressing our desire that the little loved one stay at their innocent stage of life. However, we realize that our longing for continuance in their youthful state is merely wistful thinking. 

When we consider spiritual growth in that same child, we want them to mature quickly and not slowly. We want our little ones to “accept Jesus” sooner rather than later. At times we even force them to make a decision. 

Our daughter Ann is an example of the "forced spiritual growth" attempt. She was two or three years old at the time. It was Halloween night, and the trick-or-treaters were coming to our door in full force. There I was, a concerned dad wanting my baby to come to salvation. Then it dawned on me that I could use this special night as a perfect illustration. Just then, an ugly little devil came to our door shouting, "Trick or treat!" 

I looked at the terror in Annie's eyes and said, "Do you want to go where he lives?" She shook her tiny head, and I knew that I could drive home my point. I said, "You need to accept Jesus as your Savior!" I then told her how to pray, and she "got saved.” 

It was several years later, during the middle of the night, that she came bursting into our bedroom crying and saying, "I need to be saved!" 

My sincere but silly attempt at leading my two-year-old to Christ had now come full circle. Ann, in church all of those years, was learning about the spiritual life. The Holy Spirit was drawing her toward true Salvation. 

Peter encourages us to grow up in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth is God's work and our work. Unlike physical growth that comes naturally, spiritual growth comes with time and work. Lazy habits can stunt it. Don't let this happen to you. 

Do all you can to grow by reading the Word, praying, sharing your faith with others, and doing good to all. Let God use your life today. These healthy things will help you to grow up.

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