The Church and Christian Growth

I once read an article by an English Baptist minister, Leslie Stokes. He wrote: "Once upon a time there was a tree. It was a lovely looking tree, shapely, strong, and stately. But appearances are not always to be trusted, and they were not in this case. For the tree knew inwardly that its massive strength was beginning to wane. When the wind was strong it had felt itself shaking ominously, and heard suspicious creaks. So, wisely, it took itself in hand. With much effort it grew another branch or two, and then looked stronger and safer than ever. But when the next gale blew, there was a terrific snapping of roots and, but for the support of a friendly neighbor, it would have been flat on the ground.

"When the tree had recovered from the shock, it looked at its neighbor curiously. 'Tell me,' it said, 'how is it that you have not only stood your ground, but are even able to help me too?' oh,' replied the neighbor, 'that's easy. When you were busy growing new branches, I was strengthening my roots.'

This is a parable, and a very good one. It represents the life both of churches and of individual Christians. One more paragraph from Mr. Stokes deserves application. "Many of us, when we begin to be concerned about our life and strength, grow new branches. We find it difficult to support the ones we already have - so we start new ones! New committees (how we love committees!), new movements, more societies, more meetings! Ought we not rather attend to the roots? To strengthen the meetings for prayer and Bible study, and to be more diligent about these things in private as well? Old-fashioned things these are, of course, but then, roots are old-fashioned. And no substitute has been found for them."

We are seeing great mass movements of evangelism, and we pray God's richest blessing upon them. Anything that can be done through Billy Graham and others who are having revival meetings with thousands of people in attendance is indeed a blessing. And while there will be many who will come to the knowledge of the truth and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, it should be realized that those who are already Christians are not going to grow spiritually through evangelistic meetings, nor through any activity in connection with them. There is no possibility of spiritual growth apart from the prayerful study of the Word of God. Sanctification comes through the Word of truth (John 17:17). Growth comes by the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2). Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).

Mr. Stokes ends his article with a neat phrase. "And - who knows? - perhaps some day you will be able to afford to have another branch or two!"

1. What type of things in life would be considered branches? Do you have any?
2. What are some ways that you not only grow your roots but strengthen them and nurture them?
3. Is it a bad thing to have many branches if our roots can hold us up?
4. How do we find balance in this life?