The Reason We Don’t Grow

I’m assuming that at one point in time in your life, you were a baby. That might seem like an obvious conclusion to come to, but the fact that you were a baby and that you’re reading this now proves something that’s very important. Life naturally leads to growth.

We know this in the physical realm, but often this is ignored in the spiritual realm. So we look at first Corinthians chapter 3. We see that this spiritual stagnation had happened in the first-century church. 

The church at Corinth had started off well. They had had great leadership. However, somewhere along the way, they strayed off course. They allowed their preferences, their laziness, and their pride to keep them from growing into the church that God had called them to be. 

Paul challenged them and us to grow up. Not being babies in our spiritual lives, but growing up into unity, intentionality, and humility. 

So what is it that kept this church from growing up spiritually? What is the reason that we don’t grow in our walk with God? What keeps us from growing in our faith in Jesus is our selfishness, our laziness, and our pride.

Paul begins by challenging the church. Saying that there is strife and envy within the family of God. Paul was the person who planted this church, and after some time, he went on to do more mission work. After Paul left, a man named Apollos came in and was a leader and preacher in the church.

The problem is that some people had begun to argue and pledge their allegiance to Paul or Apollos. This was creating strife and divisions within the body. Hear, the people were valuing what they liked over what was most important. 

We see people do this today. People pick their church over who has the best singers, the most dynamic pastor, the best-tasting coffee, or better yet, free donuts. These aren’t bad things, but it’s important that we understand that church is not about us.

Paul compares the church here to spiritual babies. Think about a baby; they are happy when they’re fed and their diaper has changed, and they’re not tired. Their ability to function is very conditional. This is the same for people who are spiritually immature. They’re going to a church, hoping that the pastor or the people there will make them happy. But that shouldn’t be the point of church.

This is not to say that you shouldn’t be happy when you’re at church, but that church is about so much more. Many people don’t grow because they’re more worried about their wants than they are about others’ needs and Jesus’ glory. This is why people hop from church to church.

We focus on the little things that don’t ultimately matter. We want to get our way. We want our opinions heard. I love the way. I heard it said once, “The last thing this church needs is your unprayed-for opinion.” Here at the church in Corinth and in so many churches still today, we see that people are choosing their preference over the true purpose of the church. 

Paul also shows that the church here at Corinth versus three through 16 has chosen their own comfort over growth. Paul tells them and reminds them that their spiritual foundation is Christ. That is eternal. That is solid. No one can take that from you.

What we choose to build on that foundation when it comes to our life, following Jesus, is up to us. I think about the three little pigs, and even though it’s a story for children, it’s a powerful reminder that our material matters.

What are you using to build your relationship with God? Church, but only when it’s convenient— camp and winter conference, hopefully carrying you to the next one. A pastor or small group leader or parent?

It’s important that we understand our spiritual growth is our own responsibility. Our salvation cannot be taken away, but what we do in our pursuit of God in this life is completely up to us.

Finally, Paul points out that some had chosen pride over flourishing. This happens a lot as people begin to grow and follow Jesus. People somewhere along the line begin to get puffed up and think that their righteousness is their own.

And I’m not saying that we shouldn’t celebrate how far we’ve come in Christ. I’m just saying that we should never forget where we came from. For the Christian, pride is the ultimate growth killer. 

The Pharisees did all the right things, but their pride ultimately got the way. They knew all about God, but did not recognize God when he was right in front of them.

Each of us in our life will have to choose whether or not we want to grow spiritually. This is a personal choice. I can’t make it for you, and no one else can either. If we truly want to grow as we follow, Jesus, we have to be ready to tear down the things in the way of us becoming the person he’s called us to be.