Growth: Potential vs. Actual

Two years ago, we harvested two small shoots from a mature fig tree. We planted them in pots and kept them side by side in the sun. The following spring, they both budded and put out leaves, but neither grew much at all. This spring, we had room to plant one fig tree in the ground. We had taken another tree out of the ground to make room for this one in anticipation of it one day bearing fruit. The ground was loose from the previous tree having just come out. We added compost and sea soil and then planted the small fig tree.  Our other fig tree was transferred to a larger pot with new soil and fertilizer added. It was placed in the garden just steps away from its newly planted companion.

Both figs continued to receive the same amount of sunlight and rain. But fig tree planted in the ground soon began to grow. The leaves turned from a pale green to a dark vibrant green. By the end of August, it had quadrupled in size. The stalks were thick and in the few short months since having been planted in the ground it had five late figs beginning to form. The other plant was still in its pot. It had barely grown taller from the previous year and had no fruit beginning to form. Both plants have the same growth potential. Only one plant is currently reaching that potential.

In this simple tale, I see a parallel to the Christian life. Paul addresses people in the Corinthian church as babes in Christ who can only have milk, not solid food. John, in 1 John 2 he addresses little children, fathers, and young men: three different groups of people who are at different levels of spiritual maturity.

What makes the difference for believers in their spiritual maturity? I do not believe maturity depends on how long someone has been saved. I believe it has more to do with how one is able or is willing to be cultivated.

How are we cultivated spiritually so that we may attain to our maximum growth potential?

Psalm 1 talks of a tree planted by rivers of water that brings forth it’s fruit in season and whose leaf shall not wither, what whatsoever he does shall prosper. To become this fruitful tree, we are told to walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, to not stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. Instead, the way we mature into this fruitful tree is by delighting in the law of the Lord. The Psalmist urges us to meditate on it day and night.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Spiritual growth comes through the constant repetitive renewing of the mind through meditation on God’s word, through Bible reading, study, prayer, and fellowship with the saints. Making that our life enables little saplings to take off growing rapidly into the Psalms 1 tree.

We are also taught to avoid or refuse to participate in or sit under the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful. What does this translate into in today’s life? Well, where do you like to hang out and with whom? Friendship with the world (ungodly people who influence us and have no desire for the things of God) will stunt our growth. Who do you follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tik Tok? What takes your time and attention on YouTube or TV? What sort of books do you read, or music do you listen to? How about your children? Do you know who’s counsel they walk in?

I am grateful for the opportunity to homeschool our children. It is a privilege, but I also feel the weight of the responsibility that has been entrusted to me. I want to reach my own maximum growth potential, but even more I want my children to grow further than I have.

I write this to encourage you. It is not enough to just keep our children out of the public school system. It is not enough to bring them to church and hope that they will hear the truth in Sunday school. It is primarily our responsibility to cultivate the plants in our garden. If that means daily plowing hardened ground and sowing seeds in tears and then calling on in God in His mercy to make those seeds grow, then we do it. But let us be sure that we ourselves are planted as the Psalm 1 tree is planted. Let’s be sure we don’t allow the weeds of sin to choke out our sunlight and nutrients stunting our growth and fruitfulness.

Psalm 126:5-6

Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

I hope that this small contribution might find its way to the renewed vigor in the cultivation of your garden.

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Kristi Davis is a member of Grace Baptist Church of Victoria. She and her husband have four young children and are active in the ministry of their church.