We have the pleasure of having a little Robin’s nest in one of my trees in our front yard, we first saw the nest when it still just had those little bluish-green eggs inside. Naturally I had to keep tabs. The following week I went over and took a peek and saw little baby birds, eyes not open, no feathers…they just looked like little chicken wings calling for their mother. A week later I took a peek and there were eyes string back at me and so many feathers. The birds were growing so fast.
This little nest of adorable birds is a reminder that we should be growing as well…maybe not in size (unless of course your still in your adolescence) but in the gospel. A life centered on the gospel should experience growth.
Growth in Our Relationship with God
The more we reflect in the gospel and live within the truth of the gospel the deeper and more intimate our relationship with God becomes. The more time we spend reflecting on Christ’s perfect work the more we see just how much our Father in heaven truly loves us and cares for us, that we are his children. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
Growth in Our Security in Christ
There are many who wrestle with and struggle with fear, doubt, confidence, worth, and the list goes on. But a life centered on the gospel produces in us a true feeling of security and confidence because we know our God doesn’t base our worth off of our deeds, rather by the ultimate deed of Christ on the cross. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Growth in Our Relationships with Others
Dealing with people can be a little messy, and a tad difficult at times. There are times when it seems downright challenging to love some people. But when we center our lives on the gospel we realize, “wow, I was totally rebellious toward God. I was (and still can be) a real difficult pain…and he still saved me by his grace and mercy.” When the gospel reminds us how Christ died for us when we were enemies with him, we should in turn treat others similarly. Putting their needs above our own. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:10-11)
Growth in Living Missionally
Just as the growth of those little birds has reminded me of the gospel, our growth in the gospel should lead to us to live on mission. As the truth of the gospel builds in us, those same gospel truths should flow forth from us. Good news is meant to be proclaimed, let us be beacons that shine the light of Christ to those around us. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV)
Take some time today, reflect on the amazing work that Christ has done.