Overflow

 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. Philippians 1:9

It is said that caring for a plant is easy, as long as you understand the plant’s basic needs for soil, water, and light. They need to be pruned because of vigorous growth. Most plants benefit from pruning yearly to help shape it. Pruning it too early can permanently stunt its growth even though this is necessary for better growth and development. I have a jade plant and I did not take time to prune it well earlier.  It looks healthy, but the branches have become heavy and have started drooping down. What I have learned from this is that had I pruned it earlier, the stems would have been thicker, stronger and more stable for growth!  

This is an analogy between Christian growth and plant development that highlights the concept of spiritual maturation through nurturing, reliance on God, and as we discover the gradual unfolding of God's character. Just as plants require specific conditions like sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow, and pruning, Christians need to dig deeper into God's Word for guidance through the Holy Spirit to mature in faith.

Growing in Christ helps us to deepen our relationship with God that results in spiritual growth, knowledge and obedience.  This is an ongoing journey, not a single event and it involves nurturing one’s faith understanding God’s grace and becoming more like Jesus daily.  Some Christians thrive, bloom and blossom beautifully like plants well pruned, while others shrivel, droop, and dry up quickly due to spiritual dehydration.  Christians are just like plants, some can't handle the heat, and some can't even handle the shade.

The Bible emphasizes spiritual growth as a continuous journey towards maturity in Christ, characterized by grace, knowledge, and love. It encourages believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". This results in becoming more like Christ, both in character and understanding. Studying the Word systematically, listening and applying it appropriately as the Holy Spirit results in spiritual growth. Just as the plant needs soil, water light and pruning to grow regularly so do we need the Word for growth and overflow.

The Word emphasizes spending time with the Lord individually then connecting with other Christians. Forming regular prayer habits and listening to hear God speak to us and obeying the Word of God makes us thrive in our walk.

Pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely.

Reflections:

When you want something to last long, what steps do you take?

What steps are you personally taking to give you a foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth and relationship with the Lord?