Our spiritual growth is a pretty simple thing, we are literally just called to rest in him (Matt 11:28). Here in Nicaragua the environment is so forgiving that even I can garden. We stick fenceposts in the ground and if they are not completely dried out, they will grow into trees.

But there are unnatural things you could do to keep a plant from growing. You could spray paint on its leaves, put gasoline around its base, or put it in a dark basement. Nobody would do these things unless they were actively trying to kill a plant. Unfortunately some of us do this to our walk with Jesus without knowing it.

Hannah Whitall Smith goes on to say “only see to it that you do not hinder the shining of the Sun of Righteousness, or the falling of the dew from heaven. The thinnest covering may serve to keep off the sunshine and the dew, causing the plant to wither. So the slightest barrier between your soul and Christ may cause you to dwindle and fade as a plant in a cellar or under a bush."

I often hear people question if certain activities are sins or not. They want to know if they make the list. Is unforgiveness a sin? Is smoking a sin? Is masturbation a sin? Is not paying your taxes a sin? Is paying taxes a sin? People ask these questions because at the end of the day they want to have the freedom and assurance to do what they want to do. They need someone to pat them on the back and tell them that everything is acceptable. 

But they are asking the wrong question.

Instead of trying to classify the seven deadly sins, venial sins, veneral sins, or mega super deluxe sins, we should be asking how certain activities affect our growth towards Jesus. Does this activity make it harder for me to grow? Does it bring me out in the sunlight? Give me water and good soil? Or is it like spray paint on my leaves, that is acceptable but really stunts my growth. 

As long as we abide in the vine we do not need to worry about whether or not we grow. But we can think seriously about the harmful things we have accepted as normal. Regardless of what the cool kids are doing or what your church teaches is acceptable, what do the rules of love tell you? When you are head over heals enamored with the King of the universe, what can you do to get closer?

Hannah goes on to say: "Keep the sky clear. Receive the blessed influences your divine Husbandman may bring to bear upon you. Bask in the sunshine of His love. Drink of the waters of His goodness. Keep your face upturned to Him as the flowers to to the sun. Look, and your soul will live and grow.”