| Bible Reading: I Peter 2
I have seen many pastors give ‘anointing oil’ for so many things e.g. for financial success; for having a set of twins; for passing examinations etc. But I have never seen any pastor prescribe anointing oil for spiritual growth. I still wonder why this is so. Is it because it will be an obvious error or because … … Just before I continue in my wonder lane, let me ask you this question – Are you growing spiritually?
If your answer is ‘No’ or you are not sure, then you will find the next couple of months very fulfilling because you will receive information that will lead to a permanent transformation of your life. If your answer is ‘Yes’, let me ask you some other questions. What is your rate of growth? How do you know you are growing? What apparatus did you use for your measurement? When will you be fully grown? Hey! Don’t mind my questions; I was only trying to stretch your thoughts. I believe you will also benefit greatly from these messages.
Beloved, spiritual growth will help us fulfill our purpose on earth, enable us live above the storms of life and make us live an all-round successful life. These days I see Christians struggle to read many books like “366 ways to have a happy marriage”, “49 steps to become great”, “999 ways to live above fear”, “1234.5 steps to riches” etc. and I marvel. This is because we do not really have a marriage problem or riches problem; we typically have a growth problem. Such materials may be very good but they are just like icing on a cake. They cannot replace the cake itself. It’s like a 3 months baby reading a book titled “22 ways to win a 100 meters race”. The baby will not be able to run until it has grown. The same thing applies to Christianity. There are so many good things that you will not be able to achieve until you grow. The shortcuts and quick wins only work if you have taken the “longcut” of growth. Spiritual growth is like a branch in the tree of ‘seeking first the kingdom of God’ after which ‘all other things shall be added unto you.
Oh! I wish all Christians focus on spiritual growth. It doesn’t matter the title you have in your church. Whether pastor or usher, titles are not a substitute for spiritual growth. As a matter of fact, they could be a hindrance to spiritual growth. This is because when titles come, most of us tend to have this feeling that we have made it and we lose sight of the ingredients of spiritual growth.
My joy is that nearly every believer I have met was at one time or the other deeply interested on how to grow spiritually, though many of them never knew the right way or they gave up along the way. What about you? Are you still concerned about your spiritual growth? Have you given up on it? Do you know other believers interested in growing spiritually? Then join me as we discuss Spiritual Growth in the next couple of months. – tope aladenusi |
