Growing in Grace
Scripture Reading — 2 Peter 3:14-19
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18
Some time ago a woman came to talk to me. She told me that her husband had become almost impossible to live with since his retirement. She said, "I thought that as he got older he would grow closer to the Lord and become a different person."
Unfortunately some Christians have not really heeded the apostle Peter when he says, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!" Some Christians simply ignore this invitation. Some are as difficult to live with at age 60 as they were at age 20, and some are as impatient, critical, and judgmental at age 70 as they were at age 30. In fact, some Christians seem to complain more when they get older. Why? Not because we have more to complain about. The real problem is that we have not grown in grace.
According to 2 Peter 3:18, growing in grace is not optional. We are commanded to grow. Something is wrong when we don't grow, for it is God's grace that makes growth happen. But you and I have to want to grow.
If you have not been growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ, repent and ask for God's forgiveness. Pray that you may grow in grace. Pray that we all may reflect God's grace to the people around us--especially those who need to know God.
Lord Jesus, by the power of your Spirit help us to grow in grace so that we can become reflectors of your grace for the people around us. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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