June 19

Progress

All by itself the earth produces a crop—first the stalk, then the head, then grain that ripens within. — Mark 4:28 BSB

We understand this principle well enough in nature, but do we apply it to spiritual life? The beginnings of Christian life are often feeble and imperfect. We should not expect young converts to have the maturity of character that older Christians possess. Grace starts small. We cannot immediately expect the ripened fruits of Christian experience. But just as the wheat grows from a tender blade into a full, strong stalk and eventually ripens, so should Christian lives. They have no right to remain at the starting point. They should grow in knowledge, strength, purpose, and achievement, until they bear all the fruits of the Spirit and reach the maturity of Christian experience.

We also see here that while the growth is hidden, its results are evident. The processes of spiritual life are invisible, but the outcomes are clear. If a Christian is growing in grace, it will be visible in their life. They will increasingly reflect the image of Christ, and the “mind of Christ” will become more apparent in their disposition and actions.

Another thought suggested here is that the early stages of Christian life, especially in young believers, must be gently nurtured by those responsible for their spiritual growth. Tender young plants cannot withstand frost, and young Christians are often unprepared for the sharp trials and temptations of life. A clergyman once said, “I do not dare to bring too many children into my church—not because I doubt their sincerity, piety, or fitness for membership, but because there is no provision for their growth and nurture once they are in the church.” Could there be a sadder confession? Something is wrong with the church when this is true. Let these words be pondered by those who need to hear them.