When have you experienced the most growth in your spiritual life? Maybe it was as a new born-again Christian and you just absorbed information in whatever format it was available to you at the time. If your parents or someone else was involved in you becoming a follower of Jesus, maybe you had lots of questions for them that they tried to answer as best they could 1:1 with you. Maybe you grew the most when attending a certain church, or listening to a particular radio or TV show and you looked forward to the new teachings at every opportunity you had. If you are like me, maybe you thrived most in small group meetings and/or bible studies where you could freely share and openly discuss ideas with one another. There are some who prefer to go it solo and dive into the Word or read through books that challenge us with new ways of thinking. Or maybe it is a combination of some of these concepts and others, but you know best what has helped you grow most over the years.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
As you get older, do you still feel the need to grow in knowledge and understanding of practical ways to live out your faith? As you have matured, have your preferences changed as to how you prefer to learn or how you grow best? I probably have the most exposure to indirect teaching through sermons, or listening to teaching through shows, podcasts, or books, but I still prefer to engage in small group meetings or having 1:1 discussions with others. I got to lead a bible study with a small group including some who have never read the bible and others who struggled reading at all, and I still grew and enjoyed working our way through the book of Matthew with them. I could do this each week for the rest of my life and it would not get old to me. No wonder former President Jimmy Carter still taught Sunday School at his home church whenever he could, if he thrived in that setting.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Maybe you have been walking in your faith for several decades now and you feel like there is not much more for you to learn. That may be the case, but if given the opportunity, do you like to help others grow in their faith? You may have learned some things that would be helpful for a young person trying to grow and live out their faith as best they can. There are likely countless opportunities to continue to grow or walk alongside your children, friends, or even strangers as they try to figure it all out. If you are ever in doubt, just go to God and ask Him to show you where to go, or dare even to give you new chances to learn and grow. I’m sure there is something waiting for you!
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Yours in Christ,
Clark
