We Do Not Stop Growing

At the time of birth we humans are not called adults. We come into the world as infants who must go through various stages of growth before we become adults. We are born as humans, but we have not yet achieved humanity.

This growth is not merely a physical process. It is not automatic. It involves profound dimensions of mind, spirit and personality. The human being must want to grow and be ready to contribute to this growth and development through great personal striving and dedicated effort.

Great people are not born great. Great people are born babies and who in the course of life become great people. Greatness may not be within the reach of everyone, but growth is. We are each capable of being a more mature person today than we were yesterday, and tomorrow we may be further along than we are today. This is a lesson we must not forget, for to forget is lose sight of the basic meaning of life.

A successful life is not measured in terms of what we acquire, but in what we become. True success does not come from the outside, but from within us. Unfortunately, too many of us miss this point. The question posed to us is: Why when we acquire all the material things we want, it isn't enough to bring us happiness? The answer is that it has to do with our human nature. Yes, we need the material things to enable us to survive in comfort. But we are spiritual beings and it is there where we must find fulfillment.

There is a sad fact that many of us do not grow, do not mature; that we do not become the person we could have grown into. When we stop growing morally, spiritually and intellectually, we never achieve true fulfillment and happiness.

Great people do not stop growing during their lifetime. We may retire from our vocations, but we cannot retire from learning, thinking and discovering. The story is told about Pablo Casals, the great cellist, when at age 90, he was asked, "Why do you still practice so many hours a day?" he answered, "Because I think I am improving."

While we are alive, we are always capable of improving. We can be open to new ideas. We can have better relationships. We can come closer to our religious heritage.

After teaching the biblical account of creation, the Sunday School teacher asked a young student, "Who made you?" The youngster gave this unique answer: "Well, to tell you the truth, I ain't made yet." And neither are we. As long as we live we are not fully made; we are still growing.

Jacob Friedman is the rabbi of the Jewish Community Center in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. He has authored numerous articles, lectured widely, written creative prayer pamphlets, and published sermon pamphlets.

Prosperity Consciousness