Reflecting on past experiences, many of us may recall instances during childhood when a generous relative inquired about our preferred birthday or Christmas gift. Often, our desires are centered around simple pleasures like candy, dolls, toy cars, or perhaps ice cream.

Looking back, it’s natural to feel a sense of regret for not having requested something more substantial or of greater value. If presented with a similar opportunity today, our choices would likely reflect a deeper appreciation for meaningful gifts.

The difference between your past self and your current person shows the concept of growth. With our present exposure to life, your decision-making abilities have matured, enabling you to make more informed choices. This illustrates the significance of personal development.
Just as physical and mental growth is crucial, spiritual growth holds even greater importance.

‭Ephesians 1:15-18

New King James V‬ersion

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Here, Apostle Paul addressed the church in Ephesus, and his desire for them was growth in revelation knowledge.

Let’s examine this passage closely. One key point to note is that Paul was addressing individuals who were already saved. At the beginning of the chapter, he directed his letter to the saints in Ephesus, indicating their status as believers.

Although they were saved, Paul prayed for their continued growth in revelation knowledge, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth.

So dear believer, though salvation is indeed pivotal, this passage emphasizes the necessity for believers to grow in revelation knowledge. Salvation marks the beginning of one’s spiritual journey, but continual growth and maturity are extremely important to know God and to know who we are in Him.

The Greek word for “may know” is “eidō,” and this can be likened to the experience of someone entering a dark room in search of a chair. In the darkness, they are unaware of the chair’s presence, but when the light is switched on, they suddenly realize that what they needed was there all along.

As a man in Christ, this kind of revelation is pivotal to growth as it is about finding out all that Christ has done in you. It is a discovery of the riches of Christ that have already been accrued to you at salvation. This knowledge enables the believer to be effective, a man thoroughly furnished for every good work.

If you don’t know what you have, then you cannot make use of it. In essence, If you don’t know the power at work in you , you cannot use it appropriately.

‭‭Matthew 28:18-20

King James Version‬

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Greek word for teach is “mathēteuō” which means to make disciples. Here Jesus gives a command to go and make disciples of men and just in case you think this is not referring to you.

‭Let’s look at

2 Corinthians 5:18

King James V‬ersion

18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

This implies that every Christian has been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation; it is not solely the duty of pastors but also the responsibility of every believer.

Going back to Matthew 28, Jesus’ instruction would mean that anyone born into the family of God has to go through discipleship. This already shows you the need for growth because if you would be a disciple then you must be taught the Word thoroughly and you must grow if you would fulfill the task of disciplining others as we see in 2 Corinthians 5.

Thus, growth in the Word of God is essential!

Philippians 1:23-26

King James Version

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Paul speaking, had a decision to make. To depart and be with Christ which he considers as far better. He decides to stay and continue disciplining the church because his remaining with them would cause them to progress in the faith.

The word furtherance is the Greek word “prokope” which means progress, advancement, and profiting. If Paul would choose to stay with them, thereby prioritizing their growth over his going to be with Christ, then you must value your growth. You must see the importance of processing in the faith.

You must be diligent about your advancement in the faith. If you would become what God has called you to be you must grow in the knowledge of Christ.

This is why he gave us men to teach and instruct us so that we make progress in our faith; so we would not fall prey to the devices of the devil and be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.

Jude 1:3-4

New King James V‬ersion

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude urges believers to earnestly contend for the faith against those who seek to pervert it. The Greek word for ‘contend’ implies a vigorous struggle or fight, it emphasizes the necessity to actively fight those who seek to pervert the faith, and failure to grow in the word leaves you ill-equipped to contend.

1 Peter 3:15

New King James Version

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Peter says to be ready to give a defense. You cannot do that if you do not know who you are in Christ or why you should believe Jesus in the first place.

My charge to you today dear believer is you contend for growth. Desire to grow in the knowledge of God and be diligent about it. Growth never happens by chance, you must take steps to make it happen.

Prayer Point:

Father, I am thankful for salvation. From today I take my growth with utmost importance. I give myself structures and systems that will aid my growth.