Why struggle to grow spiritually?

Did you struggle to grow to the height you have attained physically? Then why do many of us think growing spiritually is something we do by exerting strenuous effort? If no Christian has struggled to grow spiritually, I have. Some years ago when I became a believer, I asked my teacher in church what I needed to do to grow spiritually. She immediately sang a chorus for me:

Read your bible, Pray everyday

If you want to grow

I was already reading my bible. I was already praying. But my experiences did not prove that I was growing. I said to myself, may be I am not praying hard. So every night I will wake up and pray. This prayer was accompanied with much weeping and crying. I would say “Lord please help me. Grant me power to grow spiritually”. And I would top-up the prayer with a sincere cry. But God is not moved by tears. He is only moved by his word. What does his word say about growing spiritually? We know bible reading and prayer is good. But do they really help us grow? If so, then how do they help? What ingredients do we really need for spiritual growth? This and many more related matters will be addressed in our subsequent messages.

The truth is that you are not to struggle to grow spiritually. Rather you should struggle to take the nutrients that will facilitate your growth. Spiritual growth comes naturally and effortlessly when the nutrients for growth have being absorbed. This is similar to physical growth. Jesus said in Matthew 6:28 “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin”

Just before we get down to the nitty-gritty of this subject, I want you to imagine the differences between an orange seed and an orange tree. While we look at these differences, I will like you to imagine how your life would be if your spiritual growth moves from a seed-like form into a tree-like form.

• A seed is full of many untapped potentials; a tree has exploited most of its potentials.Spiritual growth will help you exploit your potentials and fulfill your purpose on earth.
• A seed is usually small in size and can be crushed and displaced using little effort; a tree is tall and rooted into the ground. It is able to withstand stormy weathers. You cannot crush it with your feet like you would do to a seed. Spiritual growth will help you stand firm against the fiery darts of the devil and you will not be tossed to and fro by the circumstances of life.
• A seed cannot serve as a shade or home for any creature; a tree serves as shade for humans, home for birds etc. Spiritual growth will enable you become a channel of help to many people. You will always have positive influence to those around you because you shade them away from trouble by your words, deeds and prayers.
• A seed cannot produce more seeds or fruits while it is still a seed; a tree produces more seeds and fruits. Spiritual growth helps you be an active ambassador in God’s kingdom – attracting many to Christ through the fruit of the spirit displayed in your lifestyle.

The list is endless. I believe some other differences are already popping in your mind.

Apostle Peter said in I Peter 1:23 “You have been born again … from a seed that can’t be destroyed”. He went ahead to encourage us to “grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ” II Peter 3:18. Spiritual growth is not optional for a Christian. You have to pay attention to it.

– tope aladenusi