Proverbs 27:23-27 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.
Ezekiel 17:22-24 ‘this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the field will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.” ‘I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’
One of the characteristics or activities to describe a living thing or organism is GROWTH. Growth is profound and important activity to us as Human. We get concerned and thrive for growth either planned or unplanned. Growth is inevitable for organic materials like plants and Humans (body) but it needs to be propelled to happen by several other activities.
As we relate with ourselves we need to grow and be willing to grow; growth gives life dynamic quality and direction; the word of God teaches and anticipates growth from us (I Peter 2:2)
So let’s commence our study, as we answer the question; What is Growth?
According to online dictionary; Growth is defined as a gradual development in maturity, age, size, weight or height.
Growth is an increase in size, number, value or strength. Some synonyms of growth include enlargement, expansion, increase, increment, act of growing, development, maturation or maturity.
Grow – to become bigger, to appear or sprout, to cause or allow something to become bigger especially in cultivating plants. To assume a condition or quality over time. To become attached or fixed; to adhere.
Biblical definition
Old Testament – The Hebrew word translated as growth is GADAL meaning to MAGNIFY
“to become strong, grow up, be great or wealthy, evidence oneself as great (magnified), be powerful, significant, or valuable.”
It can signify the increasing of size and age as with the maturing process of human life: “And the child grew, and was weaned…” Gen 21:8. The word also depicts the “growing up” of animals 2 Sam 12:3 and plants Isa 44:14 and the maturing of animal horns Dan 8:9 and other growing things. “Being great or wealthy” to evidence oneself as great.
Ministry can be defined as the faithful service of God’s people rendered unto God and others on His behave to bring Him glory and build – up His Church.
Definition of Growth
- Growth is becoming
- Growth is an ever – increasing fit
- A steady incremental progress towards your goal
We all desire, love, wish and pray about growth. We need to ensure growth. Apart from biological growth…growth must be intentional. Effort is required for growth. There some ingredients required or to be put into place. To make it sure that you obtain it. To secure or guarantee it. There’s a responsibility, its discipline ourselves to it. It has a God side and Man side.
Things to Know about Growth.
- It’s a Choice
- It’s a process
- Its practical (Happens as we develop good habits and practice this habits)
- Its relational; It’s a product of multi-forces Romans 8:28 (Growth occurs when you and God are working).
- Its multidimensional (Spiritual Growth, Emotional Growth, Mental Growth, Financial Growth, Career Growth and Vocation Growth, Relationship growth). We need to balance our growth
- Its ultimate source is God
- Its needs a plan. A plan is proposal for accomplishing an objective.