Depth for Height – (III)

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INTRODUCTION

For you to get to the dimensions the Lord is taking your to this year you must be ready to grow and develop yourself.

«Taking root downwards, flourishing and multiplying all point towards your establishment.
« You are expected to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Pet.3:18)
« The indices for measuring the growth of a plant are based on how deep the roots are which ultimately determines how tall/fruitful it is i.e. the deeper the roots of a tree, the more established that tree will be. Such a tree will be able to stand the test of time in the face of terrible storm or wind, it will stand secure (Mt.7:24-27).
« Luke 2:40, Eph.3:16-19
« “The child grew… and grace of God was upon him”
“The child grew… and grace of God was upon him” therefore, for growth to be sustained, you need to take root downwards.
« You need to be grounded and rooted in Christ to be able to stand the test of time.
DEPTH FOR HEIGHT – Definition:-
On line dictionary/American Heritage Dictionary:-
DEPTH
« The distance from the top down
« Strength of colours
« Strength and power of feeling
« The extent measurement of diameter downward, backward or inward.
« A deep point, or place often used in the pleural e.g the ocean depths.
« The range of ones understanding or competence e.g. I am out of depth when it comes to working.
« Strength held in reserve especially in supply of skilled or capable replacement.
« The degree of richness in integrity
« Complete detail, thoroughness e.g. the depth of her research.
« The intellectual ability to penetrate into ideas.
« The ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense or insight.
HEIGHT
« The distance from the base of something to the top.
« Elevation above a given level as of the sun, star above the horizon.
« A stature especially of the human body.
« The highest or uppermost part, the summit or apex.
« A high point or position.
« The highest level or degree attainable/ the peak of perfection
The totality of Depth for Height is that without growing downwards (taking root) there can be no height, no fruitfulness and flourishing
« Col.2:7 (NLT)
– Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him.
– See (ensure) that you go on growing in the Lord and become strong and vigorous in the truth.

Growth is not automatic, it takes commitment often preceeded by a decision

i. Decide to grow

ii. Make (ensure) an effort to see that you grow.

iii. Continue to grow

Growth can be seen in 4 major areas -Luke.2:52.

a. WISDOM (Intellectual development)

b. STATURE (Physical development)

c. FAVOUR with GOD (Spiritual development)

d. FAVOUR with MAN (Social/Emotional development)

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT: (EPH.4:14-15, Col.1:10, 2:7)

· Integrate your spiritual growth into the aspects of your life; don’t neglect one of the 4 areas at the expense of the other.
· You are expected to grow up like Christ in everything.
· Growing into Christ likeness will result in other transformation of your character.
· Your Christian life is dynamic; realize you can give the Lord greater control over any aspect of your life.
· 2Pet.1:5-8.

– We are in different stages in development,
– Don’t spend your life comparing yourself to others. You are who you are!
· Each day examine yourself in the 4 major areas and ask the Lord how you are doing?
· Your first step in spiritual growth is to change the way you think -Rom.2:1-2 (NLT)
– Change always starts in your mind.
· Always think the same way Jesus thought -Phil.2:5 (CEV)
– Don’t think immaturely.

* They are self centered and self seeking (1Cor.14:20)

* They could be sinful (1Cor.13:11) (NIV).

· The Christian life is far more than chiche, Creed but more of character and conduct.
– Your deeds must be consistent with your beliefs and creeds and backed by Christ like behavior
(if your loose money, material things, you have lost nothing but if you loose character you have lost everything)

· Christianity is not a religion but a relationship and a life style. Thinking more of others was what Jesus did -Rom/15:2-3 (Thinking of others is the centre point of Christ likeness and the best litmus test of spiritual growth.
It is indeed when you are grounded and rooted in Christ that your fruitfulness and flourishing are guaranteed..
You must take root downwards in order to be able to stand the test of time to bear fruit upwards.

Dr. Udoh
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