In Part 1 of this discourse, we saw the first four characteristics of living things such as Movement, Respiration, Nutrition and Irritability. Then we made our applications as to how that affects a Christian.
In this second part, we shall proceed with the rest of the characteristics, using the remaining part of the acronym MR NIGER D. God bless you as you prayerfully read these scriptures.
G- GROWTH
‘‘When one stops growing one starts dying’’. The absence of growth results in ageing, depreciation and death. One must continually grow.
A child who fails in her growth and development only brings worry and anxiety to her parents. So will the Lord not be excited at seeing his children fail to pass from this developmental stage of having ‘milk understanding’ to ‘meat understanding’ (Hebrews 5:12; 1Cor. 3:1-)
A Christian must yearn for all the spiritual virtues (Gal. 5:22-26; 1 Cor. 12:31; 1 Cor. 13:1-11). We must be active participants in the Church as this is our father’s house (Luke 2:49; John 15:15).
Every Christian is encouraged to continually appreciate, add something to your knowledge, improve in your prayer life, polish your talent daily (Proverbs 4:18).
Having heard this, a question that immediately comes up is ‘‘has there been any improvement in your walk with God since a year now?’’ A sincere Christian will discover that he/she has been hitherto stunted in growth, and as such cry unto the Lord for an awakening.
E – EXCRETION
Wastes and toxins must be excreted; else they constitute major damage to the organism. This takes place as we defecate, urinate, sweat and exhale. Note that some of the toxins must be promptly eliminated else their damage(s) become irreversible and can lead to death.
So are the evil traits that we harbour in our lives today; these erode the spirit man, leading to both spiritual and physical death if not promptly and adequately addressed. Examples of such devil’s properties abound; anger, disobedience, pride, hate, laziness, lust, pornography and other forms of immorality, stubbornness, unforgiving heart, deceit, greed, evil concupiscence etc. (James 1:15 Prov. 16:18. 1 Cor. 15:33. Psalms 51:7, 17; Gal. 5:19-21).
These must be promptly flushed out for anyone to live and avoid the fires of hell. (Rev. 21:8).
R- REPRODUCTION
Just like plants and animals produce after their kind, every Christian is expected to yield fruits for Jesus. Reproduction is essential for the survival of any plant or animal species; else they’ll go into extinction.
Every Christian is expected to lead a life that is worthy of emulation; a life that will show the difference between light and darkness, thus winning souls for Jesus (Genesis 49:26; 2 Cor. 6:14; Acts 11:26).
You must preach the word to sinners; friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, schoolmates, partners etc. (Ezekiel 3:17-21; Matthew 28: 19; Daniel 12:3). We must as a matter of utmost importance pray for them daily (Romans 10:15; John 15:2; Job 6:10; 1 Cor. 1:17; Acts 18:9-11).
A living Christian must be thirsty for revival (Isaiah 62:1; 56:10; Habakkuk 2:14; Psalms 104:30; 9:17).
D- DEATH
Living things die at the end of their lives. Although with death the lives of plants and animals end, we must never forget that as humans (having souls that never die) we will live eternally in hell or heaven after physical death (Eccl. 12:7; Luke 16:19-31; 8:52; 2 Cor. 5:8).
If the coming of Christ tarries, we will all physically die one day. The question that should pop up spontaneously is ‘‘where will I spend eternity? In Heaven with God and other saints or in Hell with Satan and other fallen angels?’’ Matthew 25:13. 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 1 Cor. 15:19; Rev. 21:8; Psalms 9:17.
The Lord is willing to revive (make alive) as we come to him this day (1 Cor. 15:45 Isaiah 2:5; 1:18.59:1-2; 49:15-16; 40:29 – 31; 2 Cor. 8:12a).
Shall we rise to our feet as we cry unto the Lord for repentance, restoration, revival and renewal.
*The above article was written on May 2, 2015.
