I have clothing that really ought to be thrown out, but I’m comfortable wearing those old jeans. It’s a man thing, I’m told. I still love Keith Green’s music because he was so ‘right on’ when I was 25. No one will ever accuse me of being on the cutting edge of fashion or art. But, a part of me is constantly developing. By God’s grace, I can honestly say that I am a different man today than I was in 20 years ago, or even last year! I may be content to listen to old songs and wear old jeans, but I will not try to live on yesterday’s experiences with God. I am glad for what He did, seek to walk with Him today, and eagerly anticipate His plans for the future!
Are you ‘growing in grace?’ 
There are Christians who pine for that ‘great revival’ they enjoyed a half-century ago. They lock into an experience, a ritual, a tradition and it becomes more important than the Lord Himself.
There are Christians who pine for that ‘great revival’ they enjoyed a half-century ago. They lock into an experience, a ritual, a tradition and it becomes more important than the Lord Himself.
A few years ago I visited a sect in Pennsylvania, sincere Christians, to be sure, who looked exactly like their parents of the 1950’s. They sang from a hymnal where you could not find a tune written after 1960. And, their numbers were fewer each year. Why? Because the Gospel they loved was wrapped up in traditions to such an extent that Christ was all but hidden. The world keeps on changing. Those who will not grow are pushed to the edge of life. When they are marginalized and ignored, they often wonder why. Some become bitter, constant critics of those who are innovators.
By the way, I am not writing about abandoning the truths of the Word. Relabeling sin to make it acceptable is not growth; that is deception. Being trendy, following fads, is not growth, either. Growth is a deep work of the Spirit that reveals the immutable (unchanging) God to us in ways that transform us, that meet us at the point of our need which changes over time, with the Truth that brings hope.
Growth is often unpleasant, sometimes even painful. When we venture into new things we risk failure.
Growth can cause friction with other people who like us ‘just the way we are’ because our growth demands change in their lives, too.
Choosing to grow spiritually requires willingness to let God lead us deeper into the mysteries of His love and grace, into new work of His kingdom.
Growth can cause friction with other people who like us ‘just the way we are’ because our growth demands change in their lives, too.
Choosing to grow spiritually requires willingness to let God lead us deeper into the mysteries of His love and grace, into new work of His kingdom.
Paul describes the way a person who is growing in the Spirit lives. He is forward looking, able to let yesterday’s failure and success go. He recognizes that he is a person ‘in process.’ "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect,(complete or whole) but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." (Philippians 3:12-15, NIV)
Whether you’re 18 or 81, growth is still possible. God has new purpose for each new day. There are discoveries about Him that wait just around the next corner in life. The Gospel of Christ, while unchanging in Truth, is constantly adapting to the world in which it is proclaimed. You can look back on yesterday, paralyzed by regret or fond remembrance, or you can pray, “Lord, take me deeper still!” Are you growing in Christ? The Scripture says that the work of the Spirit in us will always produce growth. "God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16, The Message)
Here is a word from the Word. Meditate in it for a few moments and ask the Spirit to speak, to lead you beyond any place of apathy or arrested development into the rich, full, present experience of God.
"So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation. … But you, friends, are well-warned.
Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes!"
(2 Peter 3:14-18, The Message)
(2 Peter 3:14-18, The Message)
_____________
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
-Oatman
Public Domain
Public Domain
Jerry D. Scott, Pastor
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