Signs of Life: Growth and Reproduction
This is the third post in a series on the topic of “The Seven Signs of Life.” Previously, I noted that notwithstanding the amazing diversity among the millions of living species, both plants and animals have these seven characteristics in common.
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.
With the Church being known as “the body of Christ,” it is more of an organism than an organization. And we are individually 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.
So far, we have considered MOVEMENT, RESPIRATION, and SENSITIVITY. Today we’re going to address GROWTH and REPRODUCTION.
GROWTH
All living things grow. In fact, when they stop growing, they start dying. Such growth, whether in plants or animals, is often displayed by an increase in size. When that is expected and not witnessed, it’s often cause for alarm and questions need to be asked.
What is stunting the growth? Is it an environmental problem? Is it a lack of necessary nutrients? Is it an indication of a disease? That problem needs to be identified lest it lead to something quite serious.
Once a plant or animal gets to full size, it still grows. Living things grow by replacing old parts and making new parts. This growth is evidenced in vitality and vibrancy.
So, what about you? Are you growing in your discipleship? One way to assess that is to use the “fruit of the Spirit” (love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) as a measuring stick. Are these more evident this year than they were last year?
Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10, with 1 having little to no increase and 10 being significant increase (No 5’s allowed.) If there isn’t much growth, why might that be?
Is it an environmental problem? Is it a lack of necessary nutrients? Is it an indication of a disease? And how might you address this?
Moreover, how is your church doing with this? Are there evidences of growth? In the past year has there been in increase in size and maturity? Rate your church from 1-10. And if the number is low, why might that be and how might that be addressed?
REPRODUCTION
Then there is REPRODUCTION. All healthy living things are able to reproduce and make more of their species. When there is no reproduction, the species is doomed.
As with the physical, so with the spiritual. Jesus challenged His followers to go and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:19). To His way of thinking, it wasn’t enough that a person found new life in Him. They were expected to pass that life on to others.
To be sure, only the Spirit of God can actually convict and convert a person unto new life. But we who already possess it are responsible to show the evidence of that new life and share the means to that new life.
So how are you doing with this? Have you been intentionally developing relationships with lost people that would allow for such discussions? In the past year, have you actually shared your faith story and articulated the Good News?
Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10, with 1 having little to no signs of reproduction and 10 being significant signs of reproduction. (No 5’s allowed.)
If there isn’t much evidence, why might that be? And what could you do about it?
And how about your church? Are there signs of new life as seen in conversions and baptisms? Rate your church on a scale of 1-10, with 1 having little to no signs of reproduction and 10 being significant signs of reproduction. (No 5’s allowed.)
If you find yourself disappointed in the rating, what steps could you take that would facilitate a discussion which might allow for spiritual reproduction to be increased?
I realize full well that you might be dismayed by your assessment numbers. However, rather than allowing that to discourage you, allow it to motivate you. As you do, both you and your church will be healthier.
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