THAT WILL STUNT YOUR GROWTH
When I was in High School, smoking cigarettes was popular. Many of the boys smoked as well as the teachers. Thankfully, that is not the case today. As one student went into the class-room, the teacher was standing at the door greeting the students, and observed a pack of cigarettes in the student’s shirt pocket. The teacher, with his finger, pushed the pack down further into the pocket and said, “Don’t you know that will stunt your growth?” We are very health conscious today. Eat the right food, exercise, get enough rest etc. What about spiritual growth?
Do we do things that stunt our spiritual growth? Peter wrote, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18). He had earlier written, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5). Are we stronger spiritually, today than we were a year ago? Here are a few things that will prevent us from stunting our spiritual growth.
One. Attend all the services of the church. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25). Our worship gives us the opportunity to express our love and praise to God. As a result, we are strengthened; and we also help to strengthen others.
Two. Attend all the Bible classes. Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Have you ever heard this? “I just don’t get much out of the class.” Have you ever considered that instead of getting something out of it, you can put something into it? Your presence, your participation, your knowledge can add to the discussion.
Three. Watch with whom you associate. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33, KJV). The English Standard Version renders it this way, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” The American Standard reads, “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”
Don’t pursue a lifestyle that will stunt your spiritual growth.
Larry