They're Growing!

There is no greater feeling for a parent than when they see their child learn something they have taught them and master it. You celebrate their accomplishment and you're filled with a sense of pride. The feeling is the same when those you have been spiritually mentoring and teaching show evidence of growing in their faith in the Lord. When you see their spiritual maturity and their understanding being developed it is a wonderful thing for a teacher to observe.

" We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing."

(2 Thessalonians 1:3)

One of the first signs that a person is maturing as a Christian is the love they exhibit towards others. It's a sure sign that the love of Christ is growing in a person's heart when they put others first before themselves. That is a selflessness that Christ Himself taught and as His followers we can do no less.

I have been teaching Bible studies for years and when I hear that those I have taught have been reading the Word and praying and seeing that 'this faith' really 'works', it is a good feeling. Today at Bible study I had that happen and I am still excited about it. One of the women shared that she tried praying as I had instructed her to, about a certain situation, and that it worked! God answered her prayer! Not only did she see her prayer answered but her faith grew in leaps and bounds. Oh I was so happy to see her excitement!

I believe that God the Father has the same excitement when He sees us grow in our faith. He is well pleased when we turn to Him and seek His help. And I believe that when we choose to do things His way instead of our way He knows we are growing and have a teachable spirit. When a parent sees their child choose do to something the way they had taught them to, the parent is pleased and proud. When a teacher sees a student grasp a concept and apply it to their life, the teacher knows that their teaching has not been in vain. And when the Lord sees us read His Word and follow His teachings I know He will say 'well done thou good and faithful servant.'