We're Growing!

One of the great themes of the Book of Mormon is that spiritual growth is a process. No one expects a three day old baby to run, but for some reason we often expect ourselves and others to run spiritually when we are spiritual infants. But God understands that spiritual growth is as real as physical growth—that’s why He provided a Savior for us. He knew we would need help.

One of the many places this is taught is in 3^rd Nephi 18. In that chapter the Savior teaches the people that they should never keep anyone away from the Church. He says in verse twenty-two, “Suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not.”

Then He speaks to the people and explains that they know what they should do and so they should do it. “Ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me” (18:25). So those who have progressed to the point that they know the commandments know what they should do.

But then in verse twenty-seven the Savior speaks of himself and says, “I say unto you, I give unto you another commandment, and then I must go unto my Father.”

Here we see the process. We begin by knowing we may come to Christ. Then as we turn to Him we learn what we should do, but as we grow we come to the point that our hearts are changed so that we must do what we are commanded to do not because anyone is forcing us because it is what we want to do.

Spiritual growth is a process and if we are persistent and patient we will grow. So don't fret over the fact you aren't a giant oak yet. Fretting takes away some of the energy needed to become a giant oak.