"Grow in Grace and Knowledge"

Today is my wife’s birthday.  I’m not going to tell you which one. Because it is Wednesday we will probably not go out for dinner tonight. We have obligations at the church.  But some time this weekend we will celebrate with family, and hope that the next year we will continue to enjoy God’s blessings.

            This past year was a special one for our family.  Our newest grandbaby was born in July.  Now six months old, she has us wrapped around her tiny finger.  We get to keep her most Wednesdays and Fridays, and often see her at church and dinner on Sundays.  It is amazing to watch the growth, both in size and in abilities.

            I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. You’ve seen this with your own children and grandchildren.  But it truly is mind-boggling to watch the progress as it is being made.   

            I am convinced that God wants to see this same kind of growth and progress in our spiritual lives.  He wants you to be more faithful this year than you were last year. He wants you to “grow in your faith.”

            There are several things that you can do to help in this process. You can read your Bible and pray every day. You can be involved in your church, not just attending, but in service, using your gifts to bless others. You can minister to people.  You can seek to build your life following Jesus as closely as possible.

            Not one of us does this perfectly, and in this world, none will. But you can become more Christ-like each day. You can grow in your spiritual life. It will not come automatically. It will take effort. But it can be done.

            My prayer for you this year is that you will grow in your faith. I pray that this time next year you will be closer to the Lord than you are today.  If you do that you will be blessed, as will those around you. 

            “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18.