Growth

Tonight I am wondering about growth. Is it the wrinkles that start to form on our faces or the white hair growing on our heads? Well, to note these signs of aging will be merely picking out signs of physcial growth which all will face as time goes by and youth passes us by... I guess I am thinking about growth which goes beyond appearance, one which resonates from within and is not seen by the naked eye. What is the measure of real growth I wonder.. can it be determined by the individual alone based on the gut feel that, "Hey, I think I have grown". Perhaps that is quite a good indicator as it takes consciousness for one to note that growth is taking place. The unconsciousness part of it is then, the process which eventually leads to a sense of awareness. What then, is the purpose of consciousness since it does not make a difference to one's degree of growth? To me, it is the first step to intentionality and purposefulness. With a clear direction, the growth can take on greater depth and diversity. More importantly, it celebrates and reminds us of the gift from God :) 


"that as we grow in our knowledge of God, through his divine power he gives us everything we need for life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3)

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that bringeth forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also doth not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:3)

"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." (Philippians 1:9)


"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
"Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:11)
 
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge."
(2 Peter 1:5)
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
 
"All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth." (Colossians 1:6)
 
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained." (Philippians 3:14-16)
 
"Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger."
(Job 17:9)