Flowers or Seeds?
Author: Dave BerothWould you rather have a bouquet of flowers or a packet of seeds? This question offered by Laurie Beth Jones, made me think twice.
We live in an instant culture. We want it now. Most want the flowers. Few take the seeds. By not taking the seeds, are we planning on being less than what we are capable of being?
Spring urges many of us to plant some and grow some. With all the newness unfolding around us, I wonder if there might not be something new you would like to see in your life.
Anytime is a great time for spiritual growth, but there is an urgency to grow especially in the spring.
In his Gospel, Luke gives us a peek into Jesus’ personal growth journey. In fact, it’s the only place in Scripture where we get a picture of what happened between the time Jesus was born and the time he started his public ministry.
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
– Luke 2:52 NIV
The word Luke used (grew) is (progressed) in the original language. Jesus maintained an active posture of continual growth. He planted seeds of growth. Accordingly, Jesus kept on growing in four strategic areas.
- Mentally (wisdom)
- Physically (stature)
- Spiritually (favor with God)
- Socially (favor with others)
This is a good reminder that our growth must reach into the critical areas of life. God has put something special inside you. You have certain gifts, talents, and abilities that make you unique and full of potential. It doesn’t matter how old you are; it’s never too late to learn and grow. Personal growth doesn’t have an expiration date.
As UCLA coaching legend John Wooden observed, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
In what ways are you a “finer, better, stronger” person today than a year ago?
Sometimes the reason we fail to grow is because we haven’t placed ourselves in a growth environment. When you surround yourself with growing people, you can change the capacity and direction of your life.
How is your relational circle encouraging you to grow? Who are the people that inspire you to grow?
Regardless of where you are in your personal growth journey, I believe your best days can still be ahead of you. God isn’t finished with you; plant some seeds and keep on growing.