GROWING TIME
[This is growing time, and all with life either grows or dies. There is a natural process within metabolism called "anabolism" (simplified here), which is when growth of tissue exceeds the death of tissue; and a process called "catabolism", which is when the death of tissue exceeds the growth of tissue. We are told that about thirty-five years into the growth process, man normally goes "over the hill" as some say, and catabolism begins slowly to prevail. - RLD] "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away" (1 Pet.1:24).
We know man usually grows old in body and grows in knowledge and experience. Men often seek to leave a legacy of knowledge for succeeding generations, that they may have the benefit of it. A believer in Christ might seek to leave a legacy of eternal knowledge for those who follow, that they might profit for spiritual life. God says we will either have eternal life or eternal condemnation away from God; so may we learn now to be conformed to our Creator.
For believers in Christ it is always time to grow spiritually while in this world. They will either grow in the knowledge and practices of the world, or in the Lord by faith and His Holy Word (Hosea 14; Eph.2:19-22, 14-15; 2 Th.1:3; 1 Pet.2:2; 2 Pet.3:18). We surely ought to direct our mind to that which is most profitable while we are here; and even in the face of trials it will prove a blessing to hold fast to the Lord, and learn patience to see His gracious workings for our good ---He never fails His children.
Some thoughts from another paper in the Christian Counsel Collection on maturity also speaks of growth: "Our level of development is that which will characterize us along our path, rather than any singular act, though one might also waver. Thank God our salvation depends only on the finished work of Christ, and not on our works (Eph.2:8-9). We are only talking here about growth, not birth.
"Do I know anymore of God and His ways today than in the past? Am I anymore obedient or faithful? Do I love Him more and love souls? Do I yield and appreciate the leading of the Holy Spirit? Have I thus grown any in the Lord? Only God knows, but these are questions believers might ask themselves. We are not talking about gift, rather our exercise and mind about our relationship with God. It includes knowledge, but mostly concerns our heart, and Godly wisdom, faithfulness, and zeal for the glory of God and the good of the saints" - ref. CCC, SD3.
The "time is short" (1 Cor.7:29), so let us who have received the Lord Jesus, the Christ, guard our mind and heart to mature in Christ in the little while we have to live for Him. It will surely bring peace and hope. We will see---if not now, in a day to come, the value of it all. - R. DeWitt, 2007; add: 07/16: from biblecounsel.net
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