Growing To the Glory of God
"Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless...You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the GLORY both now and forever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:17-18)
Anything that is truly living should not just be aging but GROWING and flourishing in the purpose for which God created it. Even when God Himself came into the world in the form of a man, we learn early on that Jesus was growing in all areas of His life. In Luke's Gospel, he writes, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52).
Could the same be said about you precious saint? Are you growing, increasing, and maturing in your life or are you declining, straying, or staying in the same place where you have been?
Proverbs 1:5 declares that, "A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel" and Proverbs 9:9 says, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
Growth is not just something that automatically or randomly happens in our lives. Instead, growth involves intentionality, sacrifice, diligence, and finding the right teachers and sources to learn from.
We must be DILIGENT to truly grow, where we make every effort to learn from God's standards, the good example of others, and our frequent mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. The goal of learning ought to be to fill our hearts and minds with the wisdom that comes from above so that we can reflect Christ here on earth.
When Peter thought that he could live out the teachings of Jesus with his own determination and his own strength, he learned that what was needed was LESS OF SELF and MORE OF CHRIST and THE CROSS to deal with his deficiency and self sufficiency.
TRYING in the Christian Faith always means this first:
Peter soon discovered that his best effort will always lead to him falling short if he is not first surrendered to the lordship and supply of Christ in his life. The Lord knows exactly what we need to grow and He gives us both the right conditions and the righteous examples to follow and learn from and will allow the various trials and troubles that come into our lives as further instructors toward greater maturity.
There are multitudes of observations to learn from and opportunities to be engaged in, from Bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship opportunities within the life of the church. There are also thousands upon thousands of books and teachings and podcasts that we have access to that we might learn from the wisdom of those who have gone before us. It has been said that 'readers are leaders', and if we are good at listening and learning we will become feeders and further examples for others to read us as well.
"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." (Philippians 3:15-17)
But here is something that we do not often consider or think about when it comes to our personal overall growth...
There are often areas that we are afraid to deal with or that hold us back from fully surrendering to the Lord's plan for us. These are unchartered areas of growth. Perhaps, it is a step of faith that you are afraid to take but you know it is right. Or maybe it is a relationship you are afraid to start...or to end...or to heal. We all need more growth in the hardest and untapped places of our lives so that we are ready to deal with all of life's uncertainties and God's future blessings!
But ONE THING you can know FOR SURE: The Lord has ALL that we need for us to do ALL that He has called us to do and OUR ONGOING GROWTH will take us into ALL kinds of NEW areas of life to experience, to explore, and to expand.
...So what are you waiting for dear saint? Are you ready to get off that merry-go-round? Are you ready to see what God might do by asking Him to help you grow in the places that you do not yet know?
Your answer will affect your future and the lives of others. For when your faith begins to GROW, the Spirit will freely FLOW...and your love will certainly SHOW to everyone who is around you!
Anything that is truly living should not just be aging but GROWING and flourishing in the purpose for which God created it. Even when God Himself came into the world in the form of a man, we learn early on that Jesus was growing in all areas of His life. In Luke's Gospel, he writes, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52).
Could the same be said about you precious saint? Are you growing, increasing, and maturing in your life or are you declining, straying, or staying in the same place where you have been?
Proverbs 1:5 declares that, "A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel" and Proverbs 9:9 says, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
Growth is not just something that automatically or randomly happens in our lives. Instead, growth involves intentionality, sacrifice, diligence, and finding the right teachers and sources to learn from.
We must be DILIGENT to truly grow, where we make every effort to learn from God's standards, the good example of others, and our frequent mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. The goal of learning ought to be to fill our hearts and minds with the wisdom that comes from above so that we can reflect Christ here on earth.
When Peter thought that he could live out the teachings of Jesus with his own determination and his own strength, he learned that what was needed was LESS OF SELF and MORE OF CHRIST and THE CROSS to deal with his deficiency and self sufficiency.
TRYING in the Christian Faith always means this first:
- Denying your self
- Taking up your cross daily
- Following Jesus
Peter soon discovered that his best effort will always lead to him falling short if he is not first surrendered to the lordship and supply of Christ in his life. The Lord knows exactly what we need to grow and He gives us both the right conditions and the righteous examples to follow and learn from and will allow the various trials and troubles that come into our lives as further instructors toward greater maturity.
There are multitudes of observations to learn from and opportunities to be engaged in, from Bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship opportunities within the life of the church. There are also thousands upon thousands of books and teachings and podcasts that we have access to that we might learn from the wisdom of those who have gone before us. It has been said that 'readers are leaders', and if we are good at listening and learning we will become feeders and further examples for others to read us as well.
"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." (Philippians 3:15-17)
But here is something that we do not often consider or think about when it comes to our personal overall growth...
There are often areas that we are afraid to deal with or that hold us back from fully surrendering to the Lord's plan for us. These are unchartered areas of growth. Perhaps, it is a step of faith that you are afraid to take but you know it is right. Or maybe it is a relationship you are afraid to start...or to end...or to heal. We all need more growth in the hardest and untapped places of our lives so that we are ready to deal with all of life's uncertainties and God's future blessings!
But ONE THING you can know FOR SURE: The Lord has ALL that we need for us to do ALL that He has called us to do and OUR ONGOING GROWTH will take us into ALL kinds of NEW areas of life to experience, to explore, and to expand.
...So what are you waiting for dear saint? Are you ready to get off that merry-go-round? Are you ready to see what God might do by asking Him to help you grow in the places that you do not yet know?
Your answer will affect your future and the lives of others. For when your faith begins to GROW, the Spirit will freely FLOW...and your love will certainly SHOW to everyone who is around you!
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