Growth..

The Christian life seems to be one of opposites. Have you ever considered that? It's true. The first shall be last, the last shall be first (Matt 19:30), the humble shall be exalted, and the exalted shall be humbled (Matt 23:12). This is such a sharp contrast to the pattern we see operating in the world. In the world, the way UP is UP. But with the sincere Christian, the way UP is DOWN. We take root DOWNWARD in order to bear fruit UPWARD (Isa 37:31).

This principle is also true also when we speak of growth. According to the worldly pattern, something is growing only when we see it getting larger. A pet is considered full grown when it has reached it's maximum weight and height. A tree is considered full grown when it is towering above all its neighbors. Something is "growing" only when it exists MORE and MORE.

But what determines and signifies Christian growth and maturity? Again, it is opposite.

A Christian is growing ONLY WHEN HE IS DECREASING! If YOU are getting bigger and more noticeable, that can only mean that the Jesus inside of you is being squished! John had this in mind when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). As John was decreasing, he (ironically) was growing up!

Do you desire to be fully grown? Does your heart long to be more and more like Jesus? In order for you to spiritually grow, YOU must be laid aside and put under. Your wants, desires, ambitions, hopes and worldly dreams must take the backseat. Why? Because in ALL things, Jesus must have the preeminence (Col 1:18).

Show me a Christian who is "fully grown", and I'll show you a Christian who is dead to himself!

Here are some examples of this glorious principle:

Paul was a man who was mature and grown. I'm sure you would agree. Notice what he says here: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20).

The Shulamite women in the Song of Solomon is a type of the grown and victorious Christian. Her life is typical of our growth process. Notice what progresses here:

Song 2:16 - "My beloved is mine, and I am His..."

Song 6:3 - "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine..."

Song 7:10 - "I am my beloved's, and His desire is toward me..."

WOW! Can you notice the beautiful progression and growth that occurs in her life? She begins her journey with selfishness. Her primary concern is for HERSELF, "My beloved is MINE..." His desires were secondary: "and I am His..."

A few chapters later, as she continues to grow, her emphasis has changed! Her priority now is "I am my beloved's"... her needs and desires have become secondary, "and my beloved is mine..." SHE is decreasing!

Finally, once she is approaching maturity, what do we see? Amazingly, we do not see HER at all! She is grown, yet she is decreased! Her sole desire is to be the Lord's portion: "I am my beloved's, and His desire is toward me..." She isn't even in the equation!

May we all possess this same heart! Let's take root downward, that we may fill the face of the whole world with fruit (Isa 27:6)!