Grow in Grace

There are just some things beyond description.  Think about it: how would you describe the Grand Canyon – and, could you adequately describe it?   What words give ample description to the experience of warm chocolate chip cookies and cold milk?  Or, what about the sound of rain on a tin roof from the comfort of a warm cozy bed?  Nope, no words.

 

In his second letter, the Apostle Peter wrote these prolific words, “Grow in grace …” (3:18).  To stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon and take it in, how do you improve upon the richness of that moment?  Likewise, how is it possible to increase in grace?  Aha, the greatest challenge of every Believer!   Grace, the Greek word charis, is that which gives joy-delight-sweetness-loveliness.  Who of us will manufacture these things on-our-own this day or the next?  None of us – it is not our nature to do so.  It is, however, the nature of Christ!  Paul encourages us to grow in Christ – allow [the nature of] Christ to flourish in the inner man producing delightfully sweet joyful loveliness. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.”  The Apostle John said it shortly, sweetly, and profoundly: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30).  Not that my opinion is worth anything at all, but Paul’s challenge to grow in grace is the only new year’s resolution worthy of any ounce of eternal effort.  Happy New Year – Grow in Grace!