Once again, by God’s
grace, we stand at the threshold of a new year.
For most people, it is a good time to reflect on the past 12 months and
think about some personal improvements that we might make in the next 12 months. If you’re not a resolution-maker, that’s
fine. Call it whatever you like. But spiritual growth as a child of God is
expected.
Perhaps at least partly due to a deep sense of his own
failures, the apostle Peter had much to say about the need for Christian
improvement.
●
“Like
newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in
your salvation...” (1 Peter 2:2).
●
“For this
very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness,
knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to
mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing
measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5–8).
●
“But grow
in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory
both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).
Growing as a disciple
is hard work. That’s why some of us will
decide its not worth the effort. Don’t
be that person! While the status quo is
a comfortable place to live, it is also a dangerous place because a lack of
growth often leads to regression in our faith.
Another quick reminder: if you choose not to grow this year, at least
make an effort to not stand in the way of those who do. It’s easy to sit back and criticize those who
are trying to grow in Christ. Don’t be
that person either!
How will 2020 be
different for you? Is there at least one
small area of your life as a believer that could stand some improvement?
God loves you!
Mike
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