Are you aware that Christians are to grow after they are born again? II Peter 3:18 says unequivocally that we are “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever more. Amen.”
The ten-dollar word for growing in grace in called sanctification. It is the process
whereby we are renewed in the whole person after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness. Daily we should be growing in grace.
How do we grow? The same way people do. The same way babies do. You need:
1. Nourishment. Food and water and nutrients necessary daily. Jesus said that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4). You must feed upon the Word daily! Just as your body needs daily nourishment so does your spirit!
2. Exercise. This is so vital for young and old alike. Our bodies need exercise. If we don’t move our muscles, they will atrophy (become weakened) and they will get where they will not move at all. Use your spiritual gifts in serving the Lord. Or you will become useless.
3. Encouragement from others. No baby can exist on its own. That baby needs its mother to hold it, love it, and encourage it. So do Christians. That is one reason the Bible exhorts us to attend church faithfully. We need the love and fellowship and encouragement from other Christians.
Which brings us to the question: are you growing in grace?
If not, why not?
Is your spirit receiving adequate nourishment? That’s on you!
Is your spirit enough exercise? That’s on you, too.
Are you receiving encouragement from other Christians? It’s all up to you!
Growing in grace is a command --- not an option!
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