Growing Toward Maturity

All the world is God’s own field
Fruit unto His praise to yield
Wheat and tares together sown
Unto joy or sorrow grown
First the blade and then the ear
Then the full corn shall appear
Lord of harvest grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be

Come, Ye Thankful People Come 1844
By: Henry Alford (1810-1871)

Listen to this modern version of this seasonal hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this seasonal prepare yourself to come and praise. Prepare yourself but also be ready to issue to eh call to others to join you. What better time than this season of Thanksgiving? Let’s think about this.

Growth

Are you growing? Things tend to be dynamic or changing. They are not often static. If you are not growing you must realize there is really only one alternative, and it is the opposite of growing.

What is the opposite of growing? When we think of plants a good word to describe the opposite of growing would probably be withering. That brings to mind the reality of decay and ultimately leads to death. Basically once something has stopped growing it often enters the process of dying.

If we are not growing spiritually then we must ask ourselves are we withering. Is our spiritual life becoming dormant? What is the condition of your soul? Did you start off healthy and vibrant but have since languished, floundering in your faith? That is not what has in mind for you.

He wants you to grow.

First the blade and then the ear
Then the full corn shall appear

The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. Mark 4:28 ESV

There is a process involved in all things that grow. It is unmistakable and undeniable. Nothing gets to skip steps. Things start small and grow into their full size with time. That principle is true in both the natural and spiritual realms. What are you growing to become?

Growth is a gradual process. It happens little by little. Though there are likely some weeds around you, how are you growing to yield the mature fruit God has in mind for you? Ask Him to show you the incremental steps you can take to become that fruit.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider your spiritual growth. Is it vibrant and dynamic, or lethargic and static? Pray this simple prayer, “Jesus, show me how to grow.” 

Mature

There is a finished product to spiritual growth. We will not attain it until we reach our harvest-home. That should not keep us from pursuing it.

Do you have a clear mental picture of what you are striving toward in your spiritual life? The hymn says wholesome and pure. Conducive or suggestive of good health and free of any contamination. Think of that in spiritual terms.

Living in such way that spiritual health is likely or even expected. Even though there may be elements around that would deter such health you focus on doing what you need to do and trusting the Lord to do what only He can. Believing there is a process and the Lord will shape you for it and take you to enjoy it.

Lord of harvest grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be

Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” Matthew 13:30 ESV

We want to grow and be the wheat that is gathered into the barn. We want to be that wholesome and pure grain. Grain the Lord of the Harvest will be delighted to take to our eternal harvest-home. Are you looking forward to that day when the angels take you there?

Wholesome and pure grain. That is what the Lord of the Harvest has in mind for each of us to become. Free of spot or blemish. What imperfections in your life do you need the Lord of the Harvest to heal so you can become that grain? Ask for His help in surrendering those?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about what being spiritually mature would look like. Are there things in your life that compete with that process. Are you willing to let them go? Pray simply, “Lord, help me surrender my imperfections.“

Lord, thank You for inviting me into a process of being wholesome and pure. You have made it so eternally and have invited me into the process of it experientially. Help me to grow until I am mature. In Jesus name. Amen.

Mature Thinking!

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Image Attribution
First the blade and then the ear Then the full corn shall appear – https://pixabay.com/photos/corn-cornfield-ripe-harvest-917354/
Lord of harvest grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be – https://pixabay.com/photos/barley-ear-grain-close-up-nature-3472570/