Topic: GROWTH IS A CONSEQUENCE – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 12 March 2023 The Redeemed Evangelical Mission

Topic: GROWTH IS A CONSEQUENCE – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 12 March 2023 The Redeemed Evangelical Mission

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GROWTH IS A CONSEQUENCE

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

God expects everything that has life to grow. Growth is a commanded action. We are not meant to remain on a spot, and neither are we expected to diminish. God intends that our light shines brighter and brighter into our world.

The day you accepted Jesus Christ into your life, you received a measure of grace. But God, in His wisdom, planted in the church the various gifts to nurture you, and you, in turn, are expected to grow into maturity. In 1 Peter 2:2, we are encouraged to desire the sincere milk of the word. Why? That you may grow. So how does growth come?

First and foremost, growth comes from the study of the word of God. Desiring the sincere milk of the word – talks about a hunger for the word. You not only read the word for yourself, but you also pay the price to attend services and Bible Study sessions to be taught the word. There are certain truths that the Lord will not reveal to you directly because He has planted people around you to teach you. The 5-fold ministry is not a decoration, they are planted in the church for your good.

Secondly, you grow by doing the word. Don’t be a hearer only but a doer of the word for only the doer is blessed in his deeds (James 1:22). Every time you act in line with the word of God, you position yourself for a blessing because obedience also leads to blessings.

Thirdly, you grow through evangelism. Every time you share your faith, you add value not only to the hearers but also to yourself. Every time you lead someone to Jesus, you are excited and encouraged. Every time you pray for the sick and they get healed, your faith is strengthened.

The same is true for the organization, growth comes when everyone plays their part, deploys the right tools, ensures excellence across all levels, sustains the culture, builds according to the pattern, impacts the world, and consciously raises the next generation of leaders. There are no shortcuts to growth because growth is a consequence.