Growing in God

Following Jesus’ Example

Introduction

We often underestimate the spiritual potential of children and teenagers. Too frequently, we place them on the back burner, waiting for them to “grow up” before involving them in meaningful service to God. Yet, Jewish tradition placed immense importance on early spiritual training, recognizing the profound capacity of the young.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it,” Proverbs 22:6.

Consider the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy, reminding him of the scriptures he had known since infancy, taught by his mother. Can’t you picture Timothy as a child, hearing the stories of faith while on his mother’s knee?

Paul charges Timothy to, “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know of those from whom you learned it, and from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus,” II Timothy 3:14-15. I believe Paul was charging Timothy to remember all he had learned from Paul himself, but also the truth taught him as a child. I am convinced Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him the scriptures, that they trained him in God’s ways, and that they taught him about God’s love.

In ancient Jewish tradition, Rabbi Judah ben Tema outlined a robust system for raising spiritually mature children: learning Scripture at age 5, Jewish law at age 10, fulfilling the law by age 13, and studying the Talmud by age 15. Parents played a pivotal role in this process, with mothers nurturing their children in their formative years and fathers reinforcing spiritual lessons as they grew. This approach mirrors the biblical command in Deuteronomy 6 to diligently teach God’s Word to children.

The Remarkable Faith of Children

Never underestimate the spiritual sensitivity of a child. Despite misconceptions, children often have an extraordinary capacity for faith. History is full of examples:

*Polycarp, a church martyr, came to Christ at age 9.

*Jonathan Edwards, who stirred New England’s revival, was saved at age 7.

*Count Zinzendorf signed a covenant at age 4, committing himself to Christ, and later started a missionary movement. His simple words were, “Dear Savior, do thou be mine, and I will be thine.”

*Charles Spurgeon, “the prince of preachers,” came to faith at age 12 and began pastoring at 17.

Children’s faith is not to be dismissed. Jesus Himself exemplifies this as we look at His childhood in Luke 2:40-52, one of the few accounts of His early years.

Jesus at 12: Prioritizing His Father’s Business

The story begins with a frantic Joseph and Mary, searching for their missing son. They find Him in the temple, calmly discussing Scripture with the religious teachers. Mary, understandably upset, asks, “Son, why have You done this to us?” Jesus responds, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

At twelve, while most kids are engrossed in games and friendships, He was immersed in spiritual matters, an example of unwavering focus. How can we similarly encourage the youth among us to prioritize their relationship with God and understand the significance of being part of something greater than themselves?

This statement also reveals that even at 12, Jesus understood His divine mission. This moment echoes a profound truth: Jesus chose to focus on His Father's business over the allure of worldly distractions. It challenges us to contemplate our own priorities. Are we spending more time scrolling through social media, or engaging in the Word and prayer? Like Jesus, we must seek what truly matters in our lives.

Discovering God’s Purpose

Jesus’ example reminds us of the importance of discovering and living out God’s purpose for our lives. While many good things vie for our attention, only one thing is truly essential: doing God’s will.

Do you know why you are on this earth?

Each of us has a purpose from God. Like Jesus, we are called to discern our unique purpose. It could involve serving in politics, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, or sharing the gospel. Each of us has a specific mission. The challenge is to avoid being sidetracked by distractions, even good ones, and stay focused on what God has called us to do.

And if we let ourselves get sidetracked from this purpose by all of the other good things that we could be doing, we will never accomplish God’s will for our life.

I know why God has placed me on this earth. It is to preach and teach the Word of God so that hearts and lives are changed. And it is incredibly refreshing, incredibly fulfilling to be doing what God wants me to do.

Now, there are a lot of other good things I could be doing as a pastor. If I let myself get sidetracked by these other things, as good as they are, I will not be accomplishing God’s will for my life. You too, need to discover God’s purpose for your life and live it. Like Jesus, you need to discover God’s will for your life and then do it.

Obedience and Submission

Though Jesus prioritized His Father’s business, He did not neglect earthly responsibilities. Luke 2:51 emphasizes His obedience to His parents, demonstrating that submission is a mark of spiritual maturity.

You know what I’ve noticed? The more mature and the more secure a person is, the easier submission is for them. The more insecure and immature a person is, the harder submission is for them. Submission is becoming the right person, not fighting for your rights. It is submitting to another, not because they know more than you, but because God calls you to submit, even if you know more than them.

True submission isn’t about inferiority; it’s about recognizing God’s design. Whether it’s children submitting to parents, employees to employers, or believers to God, submission reflects trust in His authority.

Jesus knew what He was about, and even though He knew more than mom and dad, He was so secure in who He was, He submitted to them as was right for Him to do.

Spiritual Growth: A Lifelong Process

Finally, Luke 2:52 summarizes Jesus’ growth: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

This growth wasn’t automatic; it was intentional.

What did Jesus know and when did he know it? It’s important for us to know a lot about ourselves. Our pitfalls, our shortcomings, our strengths, our knowledge. You don’t know what you don’t know. And so how can you learn something if you don’t know what you don’t know.

Jesus knew enough about himself to know the next growth steps that he needed. Knowing what you don’t know (but need to know) is an important step for any of us. We don’t all need to know the same stuff. If you want to go from cashier to assistant manager, you need to learn some new things.

You need to know who are you and where is God taking you?

Growth requires acknowledging areas where we need to improve and taking intentional steps. Whether through study, service, or prayer, spiritual habits are the foundation of growth. As Wesley taught, the “means of grace” are ordinary acts—like Bible reading, prayer, and worship—through which God does extraordinary work in our lives.

Ask yourself, “What is God’s next growth step for me?” It might not be more study—many of us are already educated beyond our obedience. Perhaps it’s serving in ministry, leading a group, or deepening your prayer life. Putting your faith into action is also part of spiritual growth. In fact, I believe the Holy Spirit often meets us as we are working for him. We sometimes learn to swim only by jumping in the deep end of the pool!

God often meets us as we step out in faith. Like Jesus in the temple, we grow by engaging, asking questions, and applying what we learn. Spiritual growth is not about grand gestures but consistent faithfulness.

Let us, like Jesus, be about our Father’s business in this new upcoming year—growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and others.

For next year I want to challenge us as a church to do the ordinary things faithfully. God often uses faithful obedience in routine acts to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether it’s committing to prayer, returning to Bible study, or serving in a ministry, begin today. As Jesus showed, even small, faithful steps honor God and align us with His divine plan.