Growing in Grace

 2Peter 3:18  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

   

  “Growing in grace” What does this mean? How is it done? Some time ago, I would have explained “growing in grace” to mean the striving after the spiritual disciplines. This is partially true, but even so I spoke to it only in theory, not understanding it in realities. Recently I have come to understand this phrase by living it. While there is an element of striving on my part, this phrase emphasizes the undeservingness of the growth. The word “grace” in this phrase declares that all growth is a gift of God! I can strive with such a zeal and passion that it completely consumes me, but if God does not give the grace, I will not advance one step in sanctification. This does not excuse my responsibility to strive, nor should it in any way dampen my zeal or commitment to the spiritual disciplines. Rather this truth simply ascribes all growth to God and it compels my heart to be full of thanksgiving to God for His work. 

   So when I see in my heart a desire to read and study the scriptures, I praise God! When I notice a new urge to tell others about the grace of God in the gospel, I praise God! When my heart fills with a longing for my children to share in this grace so that I daily point them to Christ, this is a work of God in my heart. When a song of praise springs up in my heart, how can I take credit for creating it? I give thanks and praise all to God and I strive all the more to fulfill these desires and strengthen them. One grace that God has given me is a desire to sing. In order to understand the depth of this grace, you must know that I never sang before! Not alone, or at church or at home. "I can’t sing," was my excuse. But now, a song seems to always be bubbling in my heart until I cannot keep it in anymore. This is an amazing grace of God! This desire is so foreign to any I’ve ever had before that it is plainly the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. To Him be all the glory! I still have no ability to sing well, but perhaps with time God will grant me this grace also.