Growing in God's Grace

​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.  2 Peter 3:18

In the front yard of our home is a maple tree.  When we moved 15 years ago, it was about seven feet tall and maybe three inches in diameter.  Now, it’s over 30 feet tall and 18 inches in diameter.  Each year it continues to grow, providing more shade for our home.
​That’s kind of what Peter is writing about for us as Christians.  We are to continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  Sometimes this is called growing in our faith, while other times it is simply known as discipleship - growing in being a follower of Jesus.
  
So how do we grow in our discipleship?  It starts in regular church attendance where we receive God’s good gifts through the Word and Sacrament, where we respond in song, and where we join together with other Christians in prayer and encouragement.  Next, by studying God’s Word in a group and individually or as a family in daily devotions.  The Holy Spirit works through the Word to guide us deeper into the truth and in our faith in our Savior.

Discipleship is not just the “knowing” but is also the “showing” of the faith through service and generosity, using what we learn and believe to change us (by the power of the Holy Spirit) to help others whether in the church or in our community by giving of our abilities and resources to help others.  We don’t do this so Jesus or others will like us, but simply because He already LOVES us and we want to love others as He loves us.

Earlier this summer, the leaves of my maple tree were turning yellow and looking unhealthy.  As an expert looked at it, they saw that it needed iron and gave it an infusion.  At first, I was worried that it was dying, as some of the leaves were turning brown and drying up.  However, that short term stress on the tree made it stronger and healthier - the leaves are now a deep green and it looks better than it has for a couple of years!  While the tree would have continued to live, it would not have thrived as it is now without that intervention.  

Likewise, sometimes we need a reminder to reconnect with our God in a deeper way that we have been in the past.  Sometimes struggles have pulled us away for a season when we fall out of the habit.  Other times, we become too distracted by other things and slowly drift away.  Whatever the reason, know that God is calling you back!

I challenge you to “grow in grace and knowledge” this coming school year.  Make worship a priority again.  Join a Connect Group.  Find some way to serve in the church or in the community.  Recover the fullness of who God made you to be in Christ Jesus!
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In His Peace,
Pastor Cory

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