A Period of Exponential Growth

The Cambridge Dictionary defines exponential as an exponential rate of increase becomes quicker and quicker as the thing that increases becomes larger. I'm confident the writer of the definition didn't have discipleship in mind when he or she wrote it. However, the definition is applicable. Growth in the life of a believer can be referred to as exponential if the rate of growth becomes quicker and quicker as the believer increases in Christian maturity.

When used in a sentence, the dictionary suggested, "We are looking for exponential growth in our investment." Perhaps, that's what Paul had in mind when he wrote to young Timothy, ..."discipline yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (I Tim. 4.7b-8) Time invested in the Word of God not only pays high dividends, but can also cause growth in Christ to be exponential.

I just recently celebrated 80 years on this planet. I received more birthday greetings than on any other birthday. Several of the greetings come from members of my last pastorate and included statements, such as:

Your discipleship program was transformational in our lives. It changed my life. I am eternally grateful.My husband and I are so grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the levels of discipleship training our hunger for the Word developed. (Phil. 1.6)Discipleship training was especially effective in my spiritual growth. It taught me volumes of how to behave in the Spirit of God.I know that I am not alone when I say that I grew the most spiritually in my adult life by going through the different levels of discipleship training.Last year, I became the assistant pastor of our little country church. Discipleship training had a great deal to do with that.

I would call those comments as exemplifying exponential growth in Christ.