As Christians, we should always be growing. 2 Peter 3 tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” When I check my study note for that verse, it takes me to 2 Peter 1:2 which reads, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
But, how do we obtain that knowledge of God and Jesus?
There are many ways we can grow in spiritual maturity, but the most important one is spending time with God. How can we obtain knowledge of God if we are not spending time with God?
Time spent with God could be prayer, quiet time, scripture reading or intentional discipleship. Sitting in silence is a wonderful way to grow in Christ. We know that study can lead to growth and I believe our time alone with God helps us flourish. But with no action, what really is the point? We must be willing to share God’s message of love with those around us.
- Ephesians 4:11-16 says, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
- Romans 12:2 reads, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. “
- Philippians 3:12-14 states, ” Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
- Colossians 3:9-11, “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
- And lastly, Matthew 5:48, says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Your season of growth
My study note reads, “Christ set up the high ideal of perfect love—not that we can fully attain it in this life. That, however, is God’s high standard for us.” Our season of growth is our attempt to become who God created us to be. To learn to love like God loves us. This season is painful, but necessary, just like growing pains. Growth comes when we do not shy away from the pain. Instead, we embrace it and know God is with us in the midst of it.
Let us pray: God of all our growth, develop in us a heart like yours. Teach us to be the people you created us to be, so that we can go forth and share your love with the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment below and tell me about your growing season. Forward this message to a friend that might need some encouragement. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, give thanks to God in all seasons. -M
