11 February 2024

GROWING IN STATURE AND FAVOUR

(Going Forward in Christ: GFIC 6)

Young Samuel was God’s gift to the barren Hannah who prayed for God to show her mercy. She dedicated him to God to serve Him all his life. Only a child, yet we see the commendation of Scripture about him: “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with men” (1Sam.2:26). That speaks volumes about his character and passion to know God and serve Him well. It is also said similarly about the Boy Jesus: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

This shows us that that age is not a criteria for spiritual knowledge and growth in the Christian life. Young children can know Christ by faith and grow spiritually. Parents with young children and Sunday School Teachers teaching the young should bear this in mind. It is a matter of proper teaching and nurturing them in the Word of God. Timothy was only an infant when he came to know Christ. Paul said of him: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim.3: 14-15). Timothy’s mother and grandmother diligently taught him the Word of God.

God has given us a promise regarding our ministry to children: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will never depart from it” (Prov.22:6). This should inspire us to be more zealous in teaching our young. My wife and I were committed to do that when our children were infants. We taught them to memorise Scripture and about Christ and the Gospel. I led them to Christ when they were just kids. Today they are both pastors serving God in the ministry. Glory to God! May all parents and teachers be encouraged by this.

The young can also refer to the spiritually young believer or a new convert. Following up the new believer through fellowship and encouragement can help him to feel loved and wanted in the Church. Sharing our faith and teaching him the basics of Bible Reading and Prayer can help him to grow spiritually. I was helped in the first few months of my Christian life and grew rapidly in faith and the knowledge of Christ and Scripture. Within three months of meeting Christ, I led someone to faith in Christ and preached my first Sermon within six months and six people came forward at the altar call to commit their lives to Christ.

Hence, I am convinced that every Christian can grow in stature of faith and favour with God and men. How old are you as a Christian? How are you faring in your walk with Christ and has your faith and knowledge of Christ grown consistently? Are you growing in stature and in favour with God and men? If the young can, then we who are older have no excuse not to do so. God desires that we grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ so that we can be more useful and fruitful in our life. May God help us. 

Click HERE to return to Article Listing