Each spring, my husband and I plant a garden to enjoy the vegetables fresh in summer and to can and freeze for winter. Where we plant carrots, we find them growing. Also, where we plant lettuce, peas, beans, or any other seed, we expect to find the exact vegetable that we planted. That makes sense. What is planted grows according to its kind.

It’s the same spiritually. God tells us how to Grow in Him. See the following verses:

• Ps. 144:12
• 1 Peter 2:2
• 2 Thess. 1:3
• 2 Peter 3:18
• Eph. 4:14–15
• Eph. 2:19, 21
• Acts 12:24

As you apply these verses to your own life, which of these challenges will you take seriously so that you will Grow spiritually? Your life is very important! What you do will help the church be more effective in reaching the world with the good news of salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

—Virginia McBurney