Keep growing...

...going, and glowing

The Word of God serves many purposes... summarizing them in a phrase: God gave us His Word so we keep growing, going and glowing... 

When I found this picture, it couldn't have been a better fit. Let's talk about each element:

Growing: Can you imagine having a child that doesn't grow - God forbid. Likewise, God forbid that any of His children don't grow. In various verses, God tells us some of the areas we need to grow in.

Ephesians 2: 20-21 told us that: "You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord]." (Amplified)

2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and [a]recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)! (Amplified)

Going: When you grow (i.e. the Word grows in you), the Word will be with you wherever you go. We all too well know this instruction to "go" with the promise of Divine presence:

"Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”" Matthew 28: 18-20 (The Message)

When we go as instructed Acts 12:24 happens:

But the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] continued to grow and spread. (Amplified)

Glowing: As we grow and go, we must glow. Isaiah 60: 1-4** and Matthew 5: 15-16*** say exactly the same thing - "Glow wherever you are - to God's glory" (my paraphrase).

It's interesting how God talks to us about the same thing* over and over again. It is my prayer that we will hear and heed so His glory will be seen in and through us. God bless.


References:
*http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.com/2011/03/grow-glow.html
**Isaiah 60: 1-3 - “Rise up and shine, for your light has come. The shining-greatness of the Lord has risen upon you. For see, darkness will cover the earth. Much darkness will cover the people. But the Lord will rise upon you, and His shining-greatness will be seen upon you. Nations will come to your light. And kings will see the shining-greatness of the Lord on you.” (New Life Version)
***Matthew 5:15-16 - “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Amplified)