Growth Comes with Learning

Devotional Reading: And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. Mark 4:26‭-‬27 ESV

Growth is inevitable when a plant is healthy. Once a seed is planted, the gardener ensures that it receives sufficient water and sunlight in order to flourish. The expectation is that through the proper care and conditions, the seed will germinate, and the plant will grow. The gardener’s investment is rewarded by watching it sprout and blossom.

The right nutrients are imperative for continual growth. If the gardener stops watering the plant, it is likely to stop growing and will eventually die. Our faith requires the same type of stewardship. As 1 Peter 2:2-3 tells us, we need to crave spiritual milk in order to grow in our salvation.

To begin to sprout and blossom, we must dedicate time to learning more about God through reading the Bible and spending time with Him. The level of our faith is dependent on our willingness and effort to grow. As Christians, we should establish mindsets of lifelong learning.

Proverbs 4:7 tells us, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Notice how simple it is to start our journey of growth – get wisdom. There must be an eagerness to learn more. However, some may hardly make it past the first step because it requires sacrifice. To prioritize God first, we have to give up certain things and set aside time to be in the Word and in prayer. We can’t remain stagnant in our faith.

Think back to the gardener and how fulfilling it must be to see all of his or her hard work begin to thrive. Each step of the way, as we learn, we begin to sprout and experience the same fruits of our labor as the gardener did. God expects us to grow in our spiritual walks with Him and to grow His Kingdom. What is keeping you from blossoming in your faith?

Prayer and Confession
Jesus I dedicate myself to the study of your Word and to prayer. Amen

Further Reading: 1Peter 2:2, Col. 1:9-12