March 17, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
Season of singleness is time for growth
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How can I use this time of singleness wisely for God?
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STEVE SMITH
Singles Minister
Prestonwood Baptist
Church, Dallas
Grow! 2 Peter 3:18 gives us the command to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." A season of singleness provides a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually.
___Spiritual growth is a process. We go through ages and stages of growing. Our spiritual growth can be compared to how we grow physically.
___The first stage is birth and infancy. A newborn baby is dependent on the loving care of parents. Babies must be fed and diapers changed. A newly born believer, like a baby, needs spiritual parenting.
___The second stage is childhood. A new believer, like a child, is one who is interested in learning. He is asking why and why not questions about faith. Those who are mature according to Scripture should take time to answer these questions.
___The third stage is adolescence. Adolescence is a time of extremeness. The adolescents can appear fully mature physically while still developing emotionally. The spiritual adolescent is one who may look mature in faith and yet be one who is resisting further growth.
___The fourth stage of life is adulthood. This stage, if functional, is characterized by a strong interest in the well-being of others. The believer by faith is motivated to care for others. The believer says, "Follow me as I follow Christ."
___We must answer three critical questions. The first is one of identification. How old am I? Are you a baby, child, adolescent or adult as you consider your faith? To answer this question, you first must make sure life has begun. Have you trusted Christ as your Savior?
___The second critical question involves change. What will it take to make you grow?
___The third question is one of urgency. Precisely when do you plan to start?
___Perhaps you have been stuck for some time in a stage of spiritual growth that has kept you from fully maturing in your faith. Consider today, this moment, a new beginning point that you can express your willingness to grow in the Lord. Remember in your season of singleness Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think; according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
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