Week 5 // What Grows You?

Wouldn’t it be amazing if, like trees, we could yearly gain a new ring of wisdom, grace, love and authority in our lives? Every year a tree gains a ring. Scientists can determine how old a tree is by the number of rings it has in its stump. We, like trees, should gain strength with every ring that we earn, every year that we live. A tree naturally goes through these seasons of growth, provided that the underground is healthy—just as we should. This growth, though, is precipitated by the tree itself. When its roots extract all the nutrients from the water in the soil, it doesn’t just stay content with how strong it has grown—its roots literally reach out and extend in search of more water. As Christians, we are not meant to stay in the same place—we need to continually reach out for more of the life-giving water of the Spirit.

In the life of trees, the oldest trees are also the fastest growing trees. In addition, as trees grow, they not only get taller but they bulk up, much like a bodybuilder. As we mature in days and years, we should also be maturing in our walk with Christ, and in our private lives. In order for this process to take effect in our lives, we need to stay yielded to God in the private realm and allow the unique processes of growth to continue.

A tender heart is key to our growth and consists of being willing to change, open to new power, and hungry for Jesus. But what would the opposite of a tender heart be, and what does it lead to?

Questions for Meditation

1. When the Bible talks about “putting on” a new character (Romans 13:14, Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:22-24) what are we supposed to “put off?”
2. How can we, in our everyday lives, “put on” this new character?
3. In Luke 5:36-39, who was Jesus talking to, and why didn’t they receive the new wine that Jesus was referring to?
4. What are some ways that a new outpouring of God’s Spirit can change your life, and the world around you?
5. How can not aligning our own desires and opinions with God’s Word halt the growth in our lives? Has this happened to you?
6. What are some ways that God wants you to grow this year, and how can you put those into practice starting this week?