Grow 1

Jonah 2:8-9

I was discussing the work of writing sermons with a group of pastors a few months ago. One of them, Bob, said that after preaching his first sermon he asked his wife what she thought about it. She offered a few constructive criticisms, suggesting ways it could have been better. Bob said, “That was the last time I ever asked for her opinion.”

Taking correction and criticism can be very difficult, even if the suggestions are well-intentioned and aimed at making us better people. But changing and growing is all part of becoming more mature, and it is no less important than in our faith life. We are called to grow in our faith, to mature, to reach completeness – which the Bible sometimes calls “perfection.”

Most are familiar with the story of Jonah. He is a prophet called by God to preach to the city of Nineveh so that the people might repent and be spared God’s wrath. But Jonah is immature in his faith and runs away from where God wants him. Eventually he ends up in the belly of a big fish, usually referred to as a whale.

While in the big fish Jonah matures. What realization does Jonah have? What does he pledge? What is his final comment?

Being swallowed by a big fish is pretty bad, but it could have been worse. He could have drowned. The fish actually saved his life.

And in that realization Jonah grows spiritually. He realizes that if he had been obedient he wouldn’t be in a tough spot. He realized that even though he is in a tough spot, it could be worse. God has spared him death.

The thought of being called to perfection can be intimidating. But if we see “perfection” as spiritual wholeness it might not be quite so daunting. Like Jonah we need to be spiritually mature enough to repent, mature enough to obey God and mature enough to submit to His will. In that we will grow to a more developed and complete faith.

Then, as spiritually whole and mature believers, we can fully recognize the grace and salvation that comes from God. As mature believers we can sing songs of thanksgiving to God and be willing to make good on our vows and pledges to the Lord.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you make your faith grow?