Title
Why We Do Not Grow
Scripture
He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’”
(Isaiah 6:9)
Devotional
What keeps us from hearing the truth; what keeps us from seeing the way? I am more than convinced that God sends us His messengers daily, but our ears are deaf and our eyes are blinded. Why, what is it that keeps us from the divine response? Let’s consider a few reasons. First of all, I believe that it is because of our consumer’s attitude. We have this strong desire to be catered to and served only palatable information. We expect a smorgasbord of options. Secondly, we think too highly of ourselves and expect the messenger to be of greater notability. We, like Naaman the leper, refuse to dip in the muddy Jordan. Thirdly, we just do not want to hear the truth or know the way. We do not want the responsibility of obedience. Therefore we keep on hearing, but do not understand, and we keep on seeing but do not perceive.
Text For The Day
Isaiah 6:9: He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’”
Thought For The Day
“I am not objecting to the amusement; only to cease to educate in order to amuse is to degenerate. Amusement is a good and sacred thing; but it is not on a par with education; and, indeed, if it does not in any way further the growth of the higher nature, it cannot be called good at all.” George MacDonald, “He baptized my imagination.”
Questions To Ponder
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Do we ever plateau in God’s kingdom?
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Is growth an option?
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What hinders you from growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Growth” in a word is to increase. Physical growth is to increase in stamina, size and stature. Mental growth is to increase in knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Spiritual growth is to increase in the knowledge, understanding and fellowship of Christ Jesus.
Referencing: “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand,’” Luke 8:10.
Applying: Listen with an ear that leans toward obedience. Do not be like those who hear, but do not understand, and see, but do not perceive.