My overt and sometimes covert theme for 2015 is Growth. I certainly mean personal growth in the faith of Jesus Christ. In many cases men and women have made a profession of faith and 20 or 50 years later are still “babes in Christ.” This is not a new thing for this malady is mentioned in Hebrews 5:12 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”
When growth is lacking in the physical realm, we sure have trouble. I talked with a man over 50 years ago who was a patient in a state hospital and had been for over 30 years. His mind was amazingly developed, his head was of normal size, yet his body was that of an 18 month old child. He had a great attitude, but…
We all know people who have grandly developed bodies, but air on the brain. And in the overall church we have myriads of true Christians who suffer from stunted spiritual growth in Christ.
When a Christian’s growth is stunted in some area the results can be tragic. To grow in the grace of Jesus Christ requires that we take personal responsibility for such growth and hold ourselves accountable for the necessary prayer, study and trusting the Lord. To fail this leads to a vacuous spiritual/life experience. Many look to the church to supply their spiritual growth, and this usually fails. Or, they take up the mantra for some form of government to solve their and the problems of society. God knows we are going through such a time.
Back in 1848 Orestes Brownson replied to a letter from Karl Marx with this gem:
“In most cases the sufferings of people spring from moral causes beyond the reach of government, and they rarely are the best patriots who paint themselves in the most vivid colors, and rouse up popular indignation against civil authorities. Much more effectual service could be rendered in a more quiet and peaceful way, by each one seeking, in his own immediate sphere, to remove the moral causes of the evils endured.”
In life no one can eat your food for you, nor should they, after you come of age, give their food to you, and furthermore … I cannot do your praying, I cannot do your studying, nor can I or any entity rightfully suffer the consequences of your refusal to order your life in harmony with biblical and free society principles. These principles are based in morality as laid out in scripture. If biblical principles are taken to heart, a higher level of morality will activate in the life, and thus the group/nation.
As we grow in grace we learn to do it God’s way and reap the benefits associated therewith. Paul deals with this reality in Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” If you don’t plant, you have no right to expect anything but an empty basket at harvest.
The principle of growth in even the simplest things as those mentioned in this note is important and I hope you will take stock and serve with a purpose of heart to live and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. No one else can do it for you.
Copyright © 2015 Larry Lilly
For Good Computer installation/Reprair Contact Oral Deckard
When growth is lacking in the physical realm, we sure have trouble. I talked with a man over 50 years ago who was a patient in a state hospital and had been for over 30 years. His mind was amazingly developed, his head was of normal size, yet his body was that of an 18 month old child. He had a great attitude, but…
We all know people who have grandly developed bodies, but air on the brain. And in the overall church we have myriads of true Christians who suffer from stunted spiritual growth in Christ.
When a Christian’s growth is stunted in some area the results can be tragic. To grow in the grace of Jesus Christ requires that we take personal responsibility for such growth and hold ourselves accountable for the necessary prayer, study and trusting the Lord. To fail this leads to a vacuous spiritual/life experience. Many look to the church to supply their spiritual growth, and this usually fails. Or, they take up the mantra for some form of government to solve their and the problems of society. God knows we are going through such a time.
Back in 1848 Orestes Brownson replied to a letter from Karl Marx with this gem:
“In most cases the sufferings of people spring from moral causes beyond the reach of government, and they rarely are the best patriots who paint themselves in the most vivid colors, and rouse up popular indignation against civil authorities. Much more effectual service could be rendered in a more quiet and peaceful way, by each one seeking, in his own immediate sphere, to remove the moral causes of the evils endured.”
In life no one can eat your food for you, nor should they, after you come of age, give their food to you, and furthermore … I cannot do your praying, I cannot do your studying, nor can I or any entity rightfully suffer the consequences of your refusal to order your life in harmony with biblical and free society principles. These principles are based in morality as laid out in scripture. If biblical principles are taken to heart, a higher level of morality will activate in the life, and thus the group/nation.
As we grow in grace we learn to do it God’s way and reap the benefits associated therewith. Paul deals with this reality in Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” If you don’t plant, you have no right to expect anything but an empty basket at harvest.
The principle of growth in even the simplest things as those mentioned in this note is important and I hope you will take stock and serve with a purpose of heart to live and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. No one else can do it for you.
Copyright © 2015 Larry Lilly
For Good Computer installation/Reprair Contact Oral Deckard
RSS Feed