Posts: Growth

Growth

“Encourage one another daily while it is still called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13) The only statement of frequency at which Christians should reconnect is daily. In general, the faithful do not seek bad choices, but fall into them through deceit, either from within themselves or from others. So, one of the major tasks of each toward the others is to burst one another’s self-deception bubbles. Together (not individually), the faithful reconnoiter the minefields of this downward-spiraling world.

“As newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that in it you may grow into salvation, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2) Babies fuss when they want to be fed. But, no matter how upset the baby gets, the instant the nipple enters the mouth, the fuss stops and contentment sets in. Babies don’t know how the milk works, just that is satisfies them. Peter made this parallel with the faithful and the Word. We may not know exactly how it works, but it brings contentment. And, after the first taste, it becomes a necessity.

“I have known your works, and love, and faith, and service, and your perseverance; and your latter works are greater than the first.” (Revelation 2:19) As the remainder of this short note reveals, some had been enticed into rationalizing bad behavior. But, those who were growing were praised. Excuses are often difficult to see in oneself. If growth is not apparent, excuses will be the mechanism for that stagnation. So, the faithful need to focus on growth so that excuses are revealed.

“An entrance will be supplied abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom” (2 Peter 1:11) This entrance is contingent on progress through a sequence of specific character traits spelled out verses 5 – 7. God has made “exceedingly great and precious promises” to the faithful that they may acquire these traits and be described as “partakers of the divine nature” (verse 4). Growth is essential. Being conformed to the character of Jesus is a continuous process. That transformation has been promised to the faithful who keep moving forward.

“By faith Moses, having become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked toward the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24 – 26) The goal of many is physical comfort, which has no lasting value. A richer and sustainable goal is God’s family, which is built on mutual trust and selfless concern.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies: he who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:25 – 28) Christian marriage was designed to illustrate to the world the relationship between Jesus and His church.

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1 – 5) The responsibility for each individual falls to that individual, plus for those nearby.

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) In the following paragraph, Paul described that sober outlook. All the faithful are part of the body, but all are different. All have something from God; use that gift for the benefit of the others. And, these are gifts that did not exist before becoming faithful, but that arose miraculously through the work of the Spirit.

“For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord approves.” (2 Corinthians 10:18) My estimation of myself is unimportant. The faithful know when God approves of them when they see themselves doing things they could not do before, such as acting selflessly or overcoming themselves or exhibiting remarkable insight, wisdom, or graciousness. Even then, doubts arise. “But if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” (1 John 3:20)

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2) Considerable debate has raged over what is good, let alone what is acceptable or the desire of God. The proof is not in theological deliberation, but in physical proof: a changed life.

“An entrance will be supplied abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom” if we diligently add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love to our faith. (2 Peter 1:2 – 11) Acceptable faith must be growing, which makes an absolute benchmark for acceptance impossible to define. Rather than telling God when we think we are acceptable, we need to let Him tell us by methods more certain that confidence bordering on self-deception.

“Desire the pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby, up to salvation, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:1 – 3) Acceptable faith must include a continuous thirst for the Word that results in lifelong spiritual growth. God promised that the Word would not be too difficult for the faithful, although some translations may be. Find the Word in a form that suits your comprehension so that it may be like your favorite (healthy) food. That which lacks growth is dead.