The Seven Signs of Life
There are 5-10 million living species on our planet. Yet, amazingly, they all share seven “signs of life.” These seven signs, often remembered by the acronym “MRS GREN,” are Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition.
Notwithstanding their amazing diversity, all living things (both plants and animals) have these in common. In simple terms, these can be defined as follows:
Movement: a shift in position or focus typically as a response to stimuli.
Respiration: the taking in of oxygen which results in a release of energy.
Sensitivity: the realization and response to environmental change.
Growth: an increase in size and maturity.
Reproduction: the passing on of the characteristics of an organism to the next generation.
Excretion: the elimination of excess or toxic material.
Nutrition: the taking in of nutrients which allows for health and growth.
“Intriguing,” you might be thinking. “But what does this have to do with being an everyday disciple?” Well, the fact is, we are all part of “the body of Christ.” That is to say, the Church is more of an organism than an organization. And we are each a part of that organism.
That being the case, these seven signs of life can provide a useful diagnostic tool for assessing the spiritual health of both the body at large and its individual parts.
Doctors say that most cancers can be cured if they are found in time. Thus, we are encouraged to check our bodies for potential indicators of danger so they can be caught and treated before serious harm is done.
Just as we conduct these physical examinations, we would do well to conduct regular spiritual examinations.
Over the next few posts, I’d like to unpack these signs of life. And, as I do, let me encourage you to evaluate how you are doing personally and how your church is doing corporately. Then consider what action steps can be taken to improve both your health and that of the body you are a part of.
Healthy Things Move
Let’s begin with MOVEMENT. In short, movement shows that you are not dying or dead. Movement is one of the most basic indications of life and usually occurs in response to stimuli.
That stimulus may be negative – a response to danger or a threat. It says, “You better move away from this situation” or “You cannot afford to maintain the status quo.”
On the other hand, the stimulus could be positive – a response to an opportunity or opening. “This would be a great next step” or “I need to give this a try.”
God uses many different methods to stimulate movement: His Word, His Spirit, the wise counsel of others, or even circumstances.
And on occasion He uses that which is more unpleasant: a feeling of lethargy, a sense of boredom, a painful experience, even an awareness of stagnation.
One of the things I am becoming increasingly aware of is that the older I get, the harder it is to move. Indeed, it's when we stop moving that we start dying. That's why I am trying to combat those creaky joints and aching muscles by walking on the treadmill everyday.
The same is often true of churches. Often older, more established churches have deep grooves created by years of doing the same things in the same way. As a result, movement, or change, becomes harder and more painful. But healthy churches must resist the comfort of the status quo and ever seek to move forward in mission and ministry - no matter their age!
Are You Moving?
So, how are you doing with this sign of life? Has there been any movement in your discipleship lately? Have you implemented any new methods or strategies toward maturation? Have you stepped into any new ministry adventures? Have you dared to take any Kingdom risks?
And how is your church doing with this sign of life? Has attendance plateaued? Have gatherings become predictable? Have ministries become stale? When is the last time your community embraced a real challenge?
A healthy disciple is a disciple on the move. As is a healthy church.
So, on a scale of 1-10, 1 being no movement at all and 10 being significant movement, how would you rate yourself (No 5’s allowed!). And then, how would you rate your church?
If you’re not pleased with your ratings, what steps could be taken in the near future to push the movement needle forward? You might be surprised at all of the unrealized potential that is to be discovered.
Read More About the Signs of Life:
The Everyday Pastor Blog is brought to you by our partners.
To support Dave DeSelm Ministries by becoming a partner, CLICK HERE.