Young People's Group

The Challenge to Grow as a Person

by Mitchell Tan
January 07, 2021

SEEKING TO GROW IN 2021

As you begin the new year, what are some of your goals for 2021? I strongly encourage that one of them be on the need for growth as a person. The challenge for us is to grow in definite ways. This was one of the lessons that Pastor spoke on at the Youth Conference 2020. He was challenging the young people concerning how David grew as a person. There is the potential for all of us to grow significantly.

ASPECTS OF GROWTH

“Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking.”
1 Samuel 16:12

“I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skilful in playing, a mighty man of
valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.”
1 Samuel 16:18

When David was first noted in the Bible, he was described as ruddy (healthy red face skin colour), with bright eyes (signs of vigour and enthusiasm), and handsome. The second time, when he was being described, it was a fuller description. He was growing in a definite manner. Growth was observable.

1. PHYSICAL ASPECT

David was described as a strong man of courage. He was growing in strength and in stature. His heart was full of courage. David became a skilled man of war.

2. MENTAL ASPECT

He was also described as one who was prudent in speech. He was growing in wisdom and had learnt be careful with his words. David was also a skilled player of the harp.

3. SPIRITUAL ASPECT

It was noted that the Lord’s presence was with David. He was growing in his faith in Him and was conscious of His presence and protection in his life. David had found favour with God.

4. SOCIAL ASPECT

David had also found favour with men. He was well spoken of by the servants of Saul. He had also found some favour with King Saul (1 Samuel 16:22).

SOME FACTORS TO GROWTH

1. HAVING THE SPIRIT OF GOD WORKING IN OUR HEARTS AND LIVES

One main factor that caused David to grow was the Spirit of God in his heart and life. He was anointed by Samuel and the Spirit of God came upon him from that day onwards (1 Samuel 16:13). As David related to the Lord, the Spirit worked in his heart. He made a significant difference in his life.

2. HAVING A HUMBLE HEART

David had learnt to have a humble servant’s heart. He began as a lowly shepherd in the fields. He was called upon to play for the king and he became his armourbearer (1 Samuel 16:21). He was humble enough to learn to serve. Young people, we too can grow in definite ways as we learn to humble ourselves before our great God. Let’s seek to have a humble heart that is willing to learn and serve.

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