Grow, Christian, Grow!
May I ask you lovingly but directly, are you growing spiritually? Are you continually developing stronger spiritual character of love, self-control, peace, and holy desires? Jude tells us we need to be “building up yourselves on your most holy faith” (Jude 20). What a challenge! This makes clear our personal responsibility for our spiritual growth and inner spiritual maturity. The only way truly to grow spiritually is by building on our “most holy faith.” The objective foundation upon which we grow is this: THE faith, given to us by God, producing holiness and Christ-like character in our lives.
As the pastor of the same church now for over twenty years, I know that this is a challenge in which we all fall short at times. There have been seasons in my life when I have not grown as I should. Have you had those times also? Thank God for His grace patiently to work in us as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
I also have seen numerous Christians who have served for years and then cease from our church or seemingly stop growing. Oh, dear child of God and even member or faithful attender of a good Bible believing church, let us submit to this challenge to strengthen ourselves upon the “word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Nothing in this world can truly satisfy, but growing in the grace of and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ truly enriches and satisfies the soul! Grow, Christian, grow!
Matt Recker is the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in New York City.