UNLIMITED GROWTH

By: Dennis Harworth

Strolling beneath the famous Lahaina Banyan Tree on Maui, it felt like walking in a magical, living cathedral.  Spanning almost two-thirds of an acre, the massive 60-foot-high canopy creates a peaceful, cool sanctuary as gentle ocean breezes compliment Hawaii’s natural beauty.  It is amazing that this is just one tree which provides shade for an entire city block.  Planted as a mere 8-foot sapling in 1873, this banyan tree continues to grow as the sprawling intertwining branches send down hundreds of aerial roots.  When these “aerial roots” take hold in the soil, they grow into sturdy, new support trunks, establishing the potential of unlimited growth.

The Bible often uses the imagery of trees to teach us that we are designed to continue growing in God, remain spiritually nourished, endure adversity, and be fruitful.  Here are three examples that I would like to share with you. 

1.   Like the banyan tree, let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him (Colossians 2:6-7 NLT). Your faith will grow strong and vigorous with vitality and deep-rooted stability by living in obedience to the Lord.

2.   Be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.  (Psalm 1:2-3 NKJV).  A life of prosperity is the direct result of your delight in meditating on the Word of God, day and night.

3.   The uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like the palm tree be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible (Psalm 92:12 AMPC).  By placing your faith firmly in God, you can have a long, productive life, flourishing with steadfast strength.

God wants you to grow craving pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation (1 Peter 2:2 NLT).  He desires you to experience spiritual growth, increase, and prosperity in every area of life.  This is not a one-time event; it’s a progressive increase in your relationship with the Lord.  It is a continual growth by staying closely connected to Him through studying and living the Word by faith and obedience. 

The best part of this is God provides a never-failing source of supply.  Just as a healthy tree produces fruit by having a constant source of water and nourishment, your growth in the things of God will cause you to be flourishing with strength, stability, and prosperity.

Therefore, continue to grow stronger, be filled with all the fullness of God, and richly experience the abundant benefits of spiritual growth.  With great confidence, you will be able to grow up as you move forward, because you know you will have:

UNLIMITED GROWTH.