Where Are You on the Growth Chart? — 2 Corinthians 8–13

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (September 18-24)

Do you remember at the beginning of every school year standing by the wall while your parent marked how much you had grown that year? Wasn’t it fun to see how every inch counted as you grew as tall as your older brother or even your parent! 

There is such satisfaction in being able to visually see growth whether it be your ability to run further, cook pies with a perfect crust, get an “A” on a test, or be promoted to a higher position at work.

Paul asks us to check our spiritual growth in 2 Cor 13: 5,6: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?  And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test” (NIV). 

But how do we measure spiritual growth? What is the test we can take to see if we’re becoming more Godlike? We know how to study for the test–prayer, scripture study, partaking of the sacrament, temple service–but how do we know if we’re making progress, growing in spiritual stature? 

Our prophet, President Nelson gave us the ultimate test question in General Conference, October 2020: “Are you willing to let God prevail in your life?” Asked in a test format the question is this, “At what level does God prevail in your life today?” 

Here is more detail provided by President Nelson as you contemplate your answer: “Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His? “

At the beginning of this school year, take time to examine yourself and listen to the Spirit to see if you’re making progress in “letting God prevail in your life.” Give yourself credit for even asking the question. Celebrate the smallest “inches” of growth. Listen to the heavenly cheerleaders encouraging you to keep trying and not give up. And don’t miss General Conference, the ultimate study hall filled with loving mentors whose greatest desires is helping us all succeed in passing the test.