Recently, I had an interesting "I wonder why…?" conversation with myself. I wondered why God initiated the aging process in nearly every system in His creation. Why didn't He just create everything starting at its prime, mature stage — without the ebb and flow of development and decline? Why the progression of aging? We are familiar with aging in plants and animals, and we can observe that process close at hand in our own bodies. The clock starts ticking with our entry into the world as newborn infants, and it will end when we draw our last breath. All of us remember our childish antics; then, we enjoyed the full strength of our prime years; and perhaps, we have experienced the aches and twinges of aging.

Living, breathing creatures begin as fresh, new specimens at the very earliest stage of their development. Everything has a varied lifespan, with some creatures living for only days, while others live for many years. There is a sort of bell-shaped curve, starting with a young, immature stage, advancing to that creature's prime, and ending with decline and death.

But there's a parallel picture of growth and maturity that touches us all. Each of us who has entered into the family of God began our Christian life when we placed our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus described this new spiritual birth to Nicodemus like this:

John 3:3b – No one can see God's kingdom unless they are born again. (NIRV)

God designed our physical bodies to grow and develop, and He intends for our spiritual beings to do the same.

1 Peter 2:2 – Like newborn babies, you should long for the pure milk of God's word. It will help you grow up as believers. (NIRV)

Maturity in our walk of faith brings strength and stability with a life of service to others as we work together in unity.

1 Peter 2:5a – You also are like living stones. As you come to Christ, you are being built into a house for worship. (NIRV)

Unlike our physical life that ultimately reaches its end, our spiritual life goes on into eternity. Rather than the decline and deterioration that take place at the end of our earthly lifespan, God intends for our spiritual life to be on an upward curve that is destined for eternal life spent forever with the Lord.

Meanwhile, let us all consider how we should be living our life in a way that pleases God as we grow and mature in Him. Let's follow the apostle Paul's exhortation:

1 Corinthians 14:20 – Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. Be like babies as far as evil is concerned. But be grown up in your thinking. (NIRV)

Prayer: Dear Father, so much of what You have created has the potential for growth and development — including us, Your children. May we aim to grow deeper and wiser in Your ways, refusing to remain baby Christians. Amen.

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About the author:

Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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