GROW IN GRACE

 

In life, for us to grow in grace in all things, we must be willing to put away self. The question was asked by them of old, "How is it possible that we may grow in grace? It is possible to us only as we empty our hearts of self, and present them to God, to be molded after the Divine Pattern. We may have a connection with the living channel of light; we may be refreshed with the heavenly dew, and have the showers of heaven descend upon us. As we appropriate the blessing of God, we shall be able to receive greater measures of His grace." 

Today, many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter and are surprised that their prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow. Yet, of what value is it to pray when there is a need of work? The question is, "Are they seeking to save souls for whom Christ died? Spiritual growth depends upon giving to others the light that God has given to you. You are to put forth your best thoughts in active labor to do good, and only good, in your family, in your church, and in your neighborhood."

When one puts self aside, life takes on a new meaning in all things. At home, at work, and even in the community. In place of growing anxious with the thought that you are not growing in grace, just doing every day duties that presents itself, become a joy in Lord. Your burdens of soul the comes your way, opens a new pathway to help save the lost. Today let us put self aside, and be kind, be courteous, be pitiful; speak in humility of the blessed hope; talk of the love of God; tell of His goodness, His mercy, and His righteousness; and cease to worry as to whether or not you are growing. In the garden, plants do not grow through any conscious effort.... The plant is not in continual worriment about its growth; it just grows under the supervision of the gardener. 

So, what does it mean to grow in grace? Growing in grace means, we are to add to faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. You are not to think that you must wait until you have perfected one grace before cultivating another. No; you are to allow yoir gifts to grow up together, fed continually from the fountain of charity; every day that you live, you can be perfecting the blessed attributes fully revealed in the character of Christ; and when you do this, you will bring light, love, peace, and joy into your homes. 

The Bible speaking on this subject says, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings." Philippians 2:12, 13. 

Until Jesus comes back the second time, we will all have to face temptation. Yet, "Temptation must be met and resisted. Day by day the spiritual battle goes on. Day by day we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. It is God that works in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure. Every soul is to strive with “all diligence” to add constantly to his spiritual attainments, strengthening every grace, increasing in efficiency that he may grow in usefulness and holiness, as a fruit-bearing tree in the Lord's garden. He is to be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. True religion leads to the cultivation of the gifts that make a man more precious in God's sight than the gold of Ophir."

"It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly—by abiding in Him—that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way”

As you go through this day, remember, "If we would develop a character which God can accept, we must always form correct habits in our religious life after His will." My prayer today is, "LORD, help us grow in your grace, and understand that nothing happens without your permission and will. Because you are always in control." 

Have a wonderful day.

By GARDEN MINISTRY