January 12

Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18.

THERE are some who deny growth in grace, as if it were not possible to obtain clearer views of divine truth, to be more patient in tribulation, and to be more concerned for the Divine glory, and the welfare of those around us. But our Saviour hath said that the water he gives us shall be in us “a well of water springing up unto everlasting life.” And that growth in the divine life is possible, important, and necessary, let us consider the precepts of Scripture: “Add to your 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.”

If we turn to the emblems of Scripture, we find it thus variedly and beautifully illustrated: “The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” If we look at the corn growing in the field, there is “first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.” In God’s family there are “babes, young men, and fathers in Christ.”

All these are intended to convey the idea of progression. Observe the examples of Scripture. The Apostle, writing to the Thessalonians, says, “Your faith groweth exceedingly.” And there is the Apostle himself. Who ever made greater advancements in the divine life than he? and what does he say? “Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect, but I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” In the promises of Scripture this result is abundantly assured to us: “I will be as the dew unto Israel. He shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.” “They shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” “The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall wax stronger and stronger.”

Let us also consider the advantages of thus making progress in Spiritual attainments; as we advance we shall be changed from glory to glory; every step will add to our dignity and to our usefulness. It is thus that we shall adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, and recommend religion to all around us. While it will tend to promote the Divine glory, it will greatly increase our own comfort and enjoyment, by adding to the evidences of our state and character; and “herein,” says the Saviour, “is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit.”