From the time of conception, we are growing. Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Our growth is evident. It is God’s providence in our lives.
At times we may feel stagnant and stuck in a rut of no growth.
Other times we experience growing pains from rapid acceleration of growth.
Even at other times we may experience some regression.
For our physical growth, we take in nourishment to fuel the cells of our bodies to grow and provide energy. Without proper nourishment, some of our cells may become deficient and invite illness. Movement and nourishment encourage strength and growth.
For our mental growth, we are exposed to conditions around us that encourage our mental tendencies. Here again, the nourishment of our thinking can lead to expansive thoughts or narrow, blinded thinking. This can range anywhere from family’s influence on young children to an educational system defining the thoughts of a child.
For our emotional growth, we have experiences that will walk hand in hand with our mental growth to define how we handle certain circumstances. How we handle conflict. How we react to disappointment. Why we feel lonely. And the list goes on and on.
For our spiritual growth, there is an instinctive pull toward our Creator. But sin interferes with that pull and attempts to overtake our deep longings for God. Replacements, or idols, convince us that they will bring the greatest satisfaction. They only leave us wanting more.
God provides all the best for our complete growth.
A mother’s milk, created by God, fuels an infant with the best nourishment for physical growth. As the mother holds the child, her whispers of love echo the love of God, encouraging mental, emotional and spiritual growth. Directing the child as he or she accumulates days on earth, molds the child into an adult who will then start the cycle again with their own child.
Where are you in your growth? Are you continuing to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Maybe even growing physically by taking care of the body God gave you?
All of this growth is leading to your eternity. This temporary dwelling place was designed to deteriorate and need a replacement once it has expired its useful life. But while you have it you choose how to take care of it. You choose what it does for you.
I know there are those with medical or physical conditions that may limit what their physical body can do. I know there are those with emotional or psychological or even medical conditions that may limit what their mind can do. God designs us all differently so that each one can reach the purpose He created us to fulfill.
As for me, He created my body to be able to move. I am able to walk. I am able to move. I am able to think clearly, most of the time. He enabled me to make choices.
I choose the food I eat. I choose physical exercise or lack of. I choose clothing. I choose entertainment. I choose reading material. I choose the people in my life. I choose the words I speak.
What do all these choices reflect? Are the choices I make the result of all the growth I have accumulated over my lifetime? Can I change my choices so that I am living with eternity in mind? Will the choices I make reveal my eternal soul?
As long as you have breath in your lungs with a pulse and a mind that can make choices, you get to reflect whatever it is that you want to reflect. You get to choose your eternity. It is completely up to you.
What is your choice? What will your life reflect? Will others see you living a life that points others to the same eternity you have chosen?
Holy Father, as we go about our day, help us with the choices in front of us. In Matthew 7:14, Your word tells us the way is narrow that leads to life. Help us navigate the path to You by discerning Your will in all choices presented to us. We desire to honor You with the temporary dwelling place You have given us. Allow our lives to reflect You so that You have the honor and glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
