Growth In Grace Is A Real Thing And Most Important To the Soul

Therefore, laying aside all malice, 

all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and 

all evil speaking, as newborn babes,

desire the pure milk of the word,

that you may grow thereby, if

indeed you have tasted that the

Lord is gracious. Coming to Him

as to a living stone, rejected indeed

by men, but chosen by God and precious,

you also, as living stones, are being built 

up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices 

acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1Peter 2:1-5

     When we were babes in arms we were one thing, and as time traveled in our life and experiences, education, etc., occurred we changed and we were no longer babes.  This is the way it is with Christianity, there is growth, but as it is with any vegetable, tree, etc., and in human life, it is the soil, the nutrients, that will determine health.  If you feed on wrong things, then your growth is stymied, changed, unhealthy, but the tree doesn't know this, but man can, and he must grow, for growth in the right "soil" is necessary for the health of the soul. Scripture is wrought with the necessary food for growth and growth in grace is Scriptural. If this is not your understanding, your belief, then read no further, it is a waste of time.  

     Turning to more practical view of this subject and its importance to the soul, that our best interests are concerned in a right view of the question: "Do we grow?"

     Using the analogy of a tree, we know when it is not healthy for it is shown in its growth, it is unhealthy.  The best advantage to determine its health is in its growth; therefore it is so with spiritual health, it is shown in its growth.  Is there progress and are they doing well? If so they will grow. Are you seeking happiness?  Then grow in grace for it is the best evidence of spiritual health and prosperity (not financial prosperity as some preach), rather you will prosper in this life no matter the circumstance. Holiness and comfort are linked together by God, and this grows as we increase in holiness.  We can press forward and aim high in our Christianity. Each person is not at the same degree in this matter, but each can grow and must for this is important to the soul.  This is the most clearest of witness of the Spirit in a man's heart, this is the man that grows.

     Do you want to be useful to others?  Then grow in grace.  This is how we are to have influence on others as they see this growth in grace, this holiness being worked out in our lives. People hear, but people see and they measure others by both senses.  If you are at a standstill and have in all appearance no change in you, with little faults, and weaknesses, besetting sins, and petty infirmities, is a Christian that seldom does much good. 

     Do you want to please God?  Then grow in grace, increase in holiness.  This the Scripture speaks clearly about, we can please God: "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).  Do you want to glorify God? Then do as He commands: "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (John 15:8).  God does take pleasure in His children, especially those that grow. 

     Growth in grace is possible, Scripture affirms that fact, but so important is this; believers are accountable for this growth. Are you converted, or did you just make a decision?  If you are converted, dead to sins, grow in grace. This is our Scriptural duty, do not quench this growth.  To grow intentionally is to not neglect this duty and by this growth in grace, this attainment of holiness, this Sanctification, God will give more grace: "But He gives more grace.  Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).  God is not at fault if we are not growing in grace, it is our duty, and when we do our duty, then we have that peace, that joy, and there will be prosperity in your life: Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, 'Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants'" (Psalm 35:27). 

     Lets us all take this fact to heart: growth in grace is a reality, God will supply when we move intentional and not standstill.

Behold, at that time I will

     deal with all who afflict you; 

I will save the lame, and gather 

     those who were driven out;

I will appoint them for praise

     and fame in every land where 

they were put to shame.

                               Zephaniah 3:19

Be glad and rejoice

Richard L. Crumb