Go Ahead: Grow as a Christian.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (II Peter 3:18, NKJV)
Sometimes a little phrase in a single verse brings me to a halt in my Bible reading. One morning recently I stopped at the phrase “grow in grace.” I asked myself, am I doing that? And then I began to reflect on what it meant to grow in grace and knowledge.
Growth is a process that leads to maturity. It is progressive. Think of the birth of a child—cute and cuddly but not mature. The newborn cannot feed himself, walk, talk, spell, do math, or a multitude of other tasks. Development comes in stages. As a parent you want your child to hit all the marks at the appropriate time.
The same is true of our walk with God. When we first come to the Lord, this new experience excites us. But some may know little about how to live as a Christian. Nothing in their BC (before Christ) life has taught them godly habits essential to becoming a mature child of God.
Big Words Don’t Mean Growth
I once sat in a Sunday school class where the teacher was using some big Bible words. As I glanced across to Randy, a new class member, I realized these words were meaningless to him. It was as if he’d been dropped into a room where everyone spoke a foreign language. He had some growing to do before he could understand the teacher’s big words.
If I were talking to Randy today, how would I explain to him what it takes to grow into a mature Christian? What things should he be doing to grow his relationship with God? What should I be doing to grow?—for growth should never end, even for those who have served God many years.God uses many things to help us in this growth process, but perhaps we can use Acts 2:42 as a foundation to build upon. Click To Tweet
The children’s song says, “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow.” That’s an excellent way to start in developing the habits of a Christian life. God uses many things to help us in this growth process, but perhaps we can use Acts 2:42 as a foundation to build upon. After all, on the Day of Pentecost they were all new converts starting this journey to maturity.
How to Grow as a Christian
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).
1. Be steadfast
We must be devoted, fully committed to deepening our relationship with the Lord.
2. Study the apostles’ doctrine
We must follow the truths we are taught by our spiritual leaders as well as delving into the Word ourselves.
3. Fellowship
We become part of a community believers who will strengthen us, encourage us, and hold us accountable.
4. Break bread together
When we study this phrase, we learn it speaks of partaking of the Lord’s supper. This helps us gain a deeper understanding of His great sacrifice on Calvary.
5. Cultivate a prayer life
The Lord Himself modeled consistent prayer, and it is essential in developing a close relationship with Him. We listen and learn as we open ourselves to His Spirit in prayer.
I never want to stop growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The above things are some of the basics that lead us to growth. It doesn’t take big Bible words to understand them. It’s what I would tell Randy today. It’s what I need to include in my own life as well. I never want to stop growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Lord, my relationship with You is very important to me. I will devote myself to learning more about You and how I can bring Your favor upon my life. I want to grow, grow, grow.
A version of this article can be found at More to Life.
Bio: Mary Loudermilk enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.
Resources and Links
Colleen Clabaugh – Train your children to pray using these innovative tools.
Kim Haney – Respected and sought-after around the world, this gifted writer will prompt you to deep reflection and spiritual growth.