“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth He meditate day and night. And He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalms. 1:”1-3).
The Psalmist compares the righteous man to a flourishing tree. A flourishing tree is growing. A righteous man, in the dispensation we are currently under, has obeyed the gospel, is involved in the doing of righteousness, and is also growing. Spiritual growth is a vital subject in the Bible. All Christians start as babes in Christ because to become a Christian one must be born again (John 3:3-5). In the physical realm, a baby must grow. If it does not, it is the result of some serious illness that will certainly lead to death if not rectified. Such is also true spiritually. If a Christian is not growing, there must be a spiritual problem that is stunting the natural growth process. However, if a Christian abides in Christ and follows the Word of God, he will grow. Thus, we are commanded to grow.
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)
2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—
These passages show us the need for growth. Now, the passage in Psalms seen above, implies that there are different directions of growth. The Psalmist compared the righteous man to a tree, and trees grow in more than one direction. The righteous man should be growing in more than one direction as well. Let’s notice some directions in which the Christian should grow.
- A Christian must grow downwardly
Just like a tree, the root system of a Christian is very important. Paul said, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith…” (Colossians 2:6-7). How a Christian is rooted in God’s word will determine how he endures the difficult times of life. Why is it that some leave the faith and forsake Christ at the first sight of trouble? It is because they are not rooted in the faith (Matthew 13:21).
Why is it that some turn from the Lord, only to indulge in the material things of this world?
Why do some in the body of Christ have problems resisting the devil?
Why are some members of the Lord’s church unwilling to come out for Bible study, come to Sunday night services, or support gospel meetings? It is simply a matter of not being grounded and rooted in Christ.
This is why the beginning stages of one’s walk with Christ are so critical. It is important to be rooted from the start, and it is equally important that those roots continue to grow downwardly, providing the young Christian with stability. Satan has been successful at destroying many of God’s children during the first few weeks or months following their new birth in Christ. Why? No roots.
- A Christian must grow inwardly
This has to do with the heart. The religion of our Lord is heartfelt. Every true conversion begins with the heart. On the first Pentecost after the ascension of Christ, those who were guilty of crucifying Jesus became His disciples by obeying the gospel. About three thousand souls became Christians and were added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47).
What caused such a drastic change in these people who were once bitter enemies of Christ? Remember, these are the ones charged with murdering the Son of God (Acts 2:23, 36). What happened is simple—their hearts were pricked (Acts 2:37).
Through the Word of God, the Spirit changed their hearts and opened up their eyes of understanding. This is how the Spirit has always converted man. The Spirit works on the heart through the Word. When one is truly converted, his heart is transformed. Paul said, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). The inner man must continue to be strengthened by the Spirit of God (Ephesians 3:16). Inward growth is crucial to our spiritual well-being.
- A Christian must grow outwardly
This will come if one is growing inwardly as he should. If our hearts are right, our outward conduct will be right as well. A healthy tree will bring forth healthy fruit. Jesus said, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:17-20).
Our outward actions are important. They are the best testimony we have that we are Christians. The more we grow inwardly, the more our outward actions will bring glory to God. We will do more for the Lord as we grow spiritually. Remember, Jesus was a man who went about doing good (Acts 10:38). The life of Christ should be the goal or aim of our life. The more we become like Him, the more good works we will accomplish in His name. Let us not be satisfied with where we are spiritually. There is room for growth in us all.