The Necessity of Growth
We’re talking about how God longs to give us "more and more" in our lives - not more money, more stuff, more material things from God necessarily, but more spiritual riches.
Growing Biblical Characters
One of the ways we can have a year of more is to pursue growth this year, making it a year of more and more growth! In fact Jesus Himself grew into His role as Messiah. That's not to say He wasn't Messiah from the beginning, but it means that as a human, He did progress and grow in life. Luke says so in his gospel: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52) Jesus grew intellectually as He grew up, physically too, and spiritually as He came to understand His role and calling.
Another person who we see growing spiritually is Paul. The book of Acts says that he "grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah." (Acts 9:22) He grew in spiritual power as he went on in his faith.
Do you desire growth in your spiritual life? Do you long for a stronger relationship with God, a deeper understanding of His truth, a more meaningful ministry, a more effective witness? I think we must desire such things as Christians. Perhaps if we don't, then we have forgotten what it's all about.
The Biblical Mandate for Growth
In fact, we are commanded to grow in Scripture. Peter wrote this to the early Christians: "Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 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 3:17-18)
How about making 2025 a year of growth? A year of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Maybe this is the year that you and I take great leaps in our faith, rather than just carrying on with things as they are.
Nurturing Spiritual Progress
I want to reach December and be a different person than I am today. I want to reach the weekend and be a different person than I am today! And friends as a pastoral figure in your life, I want you to grow in your faith this year, and this week! My prayer is that these daily devotions you hear or read or not just nice little clips, but that they help you to grow.
Don’t carry on regardless this year friends. Pursue growth in the grace and knowledge of God. Then 2025 will be a year of more and more of the right type of thing!
