Measuring Spiritual Growth

Roaring Run Trail, Apollo, PA

One tree grew up but the other grew out.  One went toward the sky while the other went toward the water.  Both trees grew, but only one grew correctly. 

A tree is supposed to have downward roots and upward fruit (foliage).  The purpose of spiritual growth is not to make us extraordinary or weird.  It is to make us become what we're supposed to be in Christ. 

Just because you're extending yourself doesn't mean you're growing correctly.  The measurement of spiritual growth is not in externals (involvement, church attendance) alone.  Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is a better  measurement.

Grow up or reach out -- which is easier?  Why?

Fruit (Jn. 15:1-8)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 15:1-27.

Fruit is important. The word "fruit" is used 6 times in 8 verses.

Fruit is expected. "Fruit," "more fruit," "much fruit," "fruit that remains."

Fruit is defined. In general, it is Christ-likeness or Christian character (Gal. 5:22-23). In context, it is love (Jn. 15:8, 16-17; 13:35).

Fruit is possible. The key is "abiding" (remaining, staying) in Christ and His words. Don't be a tourist who checks in and checks out. That's not "abiding." Sign an eternal lease. Move in and unpack. Remain obligated.

Fruit (Jn 15:1-8)

1. Fruit is important. The word "fruit" appears six times in eight verses.
   
2. Fruit is expected. John mentions fruit, more fruit, much fruit and fruit that remains.


3. Fruit is defined. In general it is Christ-likeness or Christian character (Gal 5:22-23). In context it is love (Jn 13:35; 15:8, 16-17).


4. Fruit is possible. The key idea is abiding (remaining, staying) in Christ and His word (teaching, commandments, words). Don't be a tourist who checks in and checks out at random. That's not abiding. Instead sign an eternal lease with Jesus. Move in and unpack. Stay forever. Remain obligated to Him.

Good Ground (Mk 4:8)

Today's reading is Mark 4 and Luke 10-11.

The larger parable (Mk 4:1-9) deals with four kinds of soil. This post mostly deals with the good soil.

1. The quality of the seed is never debated. The seed is God's Word and all of it is inspired (2 Tim 3:16-17).
2. The quality of the soil is never accidental. Why did the seed on the pathway not take? The path was hardened and uncultivated. It had not been turned over. Why did the seed on rocky soil not take? No one had removed the rocks. Why did the seed on thorny soil not take? No one pulled up the weeds or dug out the thorns. Why did the seed on good soil produce? Someone took the time to cultivate the soil, separate the rocks, pull the weeds and dig out the thorns. Intentionally, this soil had been prepared. (All this talk about cultivation, separation, digging out -- doesn't it remind you of repentance?)
3. The quantity of the produce is always exponential. The 30-fold, 60-fold and 100-fold increases all began with the seed. Never underestimate the vast potential of one verse of Scripture or one act of obedience.
4. Seed that is never planted will never produce. The purpose of the seed is to grow a plant or vine that produces fruit. Jesus wants you to be fruitful (Jn 15:1-8; Gal 5:22-23). Fruitfulness starts with the seed. Don't merely get into the Word. Allow God's Word to get into you.

Report Cards

Ashley's report card arrived yesterday. Josh and Aaron's will come by the end of the week. I will sit with my children and evaluate academic progress. Where there is diligence and excellence, I will praise them. Where there is negligences or trouble, we will develop a plan for improvement.

Students get grades as an evaluation of their academic progress. Being Christ's disciples, we are to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18). There should be fruit or evidence (Jn 15:5, 8, 16) of this growth. That evidence is the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

If I had to be graded on each part of the Fruit of the Spirit, how would I fare? How would you fare?