God Gives the Growth
“Whoa, that’s the biggest tree I’ve ever seen!” My son exclaimed on our recent camping trip. And the truth is it was a big tree by Oklahoma standards. However, that same tree would look small if placed somewhere alongside true giants like sequoia redwood trees.
I am far from a tree expert (just reference the dead tree in my front yard for proof), but what I learned about sequoia redwood trees has stuck with me. These trees are truly massive, 275 ft tall and 25 feet in diameter, but their roots are relatively shallow, only 6-12 feet deep. However, their roots interlock with the other redwoods around them, providing strength, nutrients, and support.
So much of our Christian walk is like this. We need other believers to offer support and strength. When these discipleship relationships exist, we experience growth as a result.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses divisions in the church and encourages young believers to pursue maturity and unity.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Like the church in Corinth, we have a big mission at hand: we are to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). However, just as the redwood trees cannot stand alone, neither can we.
We see two key truths in this passage:
1. As believers, we need each other
Paul planted and Apollos watered. They were both working to produce the same fruit, but they had different jobs to fulfill. As believers filled with the Spirit, we’ve also been given spiritual gifts and a role to fulfill. It’s only when we each do our part the work is accomplished.
Not only does this stress our need for community and accountability, but it also gives us freedom to fulfill our calling. You don’t have to do it all! As a wise woman I know says, “stay in your lane.” Or in other words, use the gifts you’ve been given and allow others to do the same.
2. God alone gives the growth
Secondly, yes, In Christ, we have a job to do and a role to fulfill, but God alone gives the growth. He saves, He transforms, and He gives life. His purposes alone will stand.
As we pursue maturity and service to the Lord, this truth becomes so important. Are you working and striving for you, or for the Lord? Ask Him to guide your work and direct your steps. Then, ask Him to give the growth as only He can do.
Whenever we’re tempted to try and do it all, these verses remind us that God is glorified when we fulfill our role and depend on each other to complete the task at hand.
