Ways to Grow

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Peter 3:14-18

As Mom came down the stairs, she heard her older son’s voice. “No fair!” Lucas said. “You’ve got your shoes on, so that makes you taller. Take them off!”

“Okay, okay,” replied Jordan.

Mom heard the shoes plop on the floor. When she reached the kitchen, she saw what the commotion was all about. Lucas and Jordan were measuring each other’s height against the door frame.

“See! I’m still taller than you, even without shoes!” said Jordan. “And I’m a whole year younger!”

The boys turned as Mom came into the room. “We wanted to see how much we had grown,” Jordan told her. “I’m taller than Lucas! See?” He pointed to the mark on the door post.

“Yes,” said Mom, “but in another year Lucas might pass you again. And remember—there are more important ways to grow than just in height.”

Jordan and Lucas looked at each other uncertainly.

“What I mean is, how are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?” Mom asked. “Are you spending time with Him in prayer? Are you reading your Bible to learn more about Him?”

“Well, I do my Bible reading on the weekends,” said Jordan, “except on Sundays, since we go to church then…” His voice faded out.

“Going to church is a good way to go deeper in your relationship with the Lord. But praying and reading God’s Word for yourself are important too,” said Mom. “When our schedules get busy, it’s easy to let some things go undone. But I want you to think about something. Would you keep growing taller if you never ate?”

“Of course not—I’d starve!” Lucas replied. “I need food every day.”

“And you need spiritual food every day too. The Holy Spirit uses the time we spend with Jesus to feed us His truth so we can get to know Him better and grow as Christians.” Mom sat down at the table. “I have a suggestion. Why don’t you take some time before dinner to talk with Jesus and feast on His Word?”

The boys nodded. “Come on, Lucas,” Jordan said. “I’ll race you upstairs!” – Hazel M. Percy

How About You?

Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus? You need food to grow taller, and you also need food to grow as a Christian. Praying, going to church, and reading the Bible are ways you can get to know Jesus in a deeper way. Ask Him to help you develop spiritual habits that help you grow in your relationship with Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Spend time with Jesus