Previous | Next 

Growing by cubics

Jerry Raaf

A well-groomed, middle-aged woman began to read the verses of Scripture requested by the leader of the home Bible study group. Her excellent reading skills were evident as she sounded every word with professional precision. The flow of her speech was interrupted as she stumbled over an archaic term in her King James Version. The word that created the temporary difficulty was not foreign to her, but what it created was unique. She was reading Matthew 6:25-34, and it was verse 27 that provided the momentary challenge. “Which of you by taking thought,” she read, “can add one cubic unto his stature?”

A moment of silence followed as members of the study group nervously smiled. She apologetically retraced her verbal steps and reread the verse correctly: “Which one of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”

She continued reading, but my mind remained on the uniqueness of this Scripture. The difference between a “cubit” and “cubic” is significant. A “cubit” is an ancient method of measuring length or height, equalling approximately 18 inches or 45 centimetres. “Cubic” is a measurement of volume that has no significant number associated with it. As I mused on the difference, I realized that we do have the ability to make “cubic” (volume) additions to our bodies by eating too much, eating the wrong foods, avoiding exercise, etc. – but this is horizontal growth. Regarding the “cubit” (length or height), we try in vain to produce vertical growth.

Similarly, our horizontal spiritual influence may be limitless, but our vertical influence is restricted. We may be able to reach out to people, be active in the church, help the needy and send food to the hungry, be very busy horizontally, but we are not able to reach vertically to God, except through Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus hung between earth and heaven – to be the bridge, to provide vertical growth.

Ask yourself: Am I growing vertically or only horizontally?

Jerry Raaf lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

Previous | Next 

Last modified January 31, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.