God calls all Christians to grow in their faith. To grow in their trust. To grow in their surrender. Here’s how the Apostle Peter puts it:

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3

YES…Spiritual Growth is not an option for believers, it is an IMPERATIVE.

im·per·a·tive: of vital importance; crucial. What must be done.

“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

When it comes to the Christian life, we must never stop growing spiritually. We have already established that spiritual growth as a concept is “easy,” but spiritual growth as a discipline that transforms is tough.

Spiritual growth is never automatic. It requires disciplined effort and faithful diligence to take our faith walk down God’s GROWTH PATHWAYS. It is a matter of taking one step after another. Getting up when life knocks us down. Trusting when we want to run.

Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Where do we get the fuel to walk down God’s GROWTH PATHWAYS? His GRACE.

Understanding the depth and breadth of God’s GRACE, and applying it on our faith walk, is part of a believer’s spiritual growth imperative.

God’s grace is his favor for us, though UNMERITED. It includes his RIGHTEOUSNESS that is the basis for our faith. But it also includes his POWER to grow in that grace and become ever-more spiritually mature.

We cannot earn God’s favor through “being good” or any other man-based performance measure. He loves us 100% because of his grace bestowed on us by Jesus Christ.

We commit to grow our faith because we are grateful for God’s favor, not as a device to earn his blessing.

I ask God to help me live with the discipline of a disciple and commit to accept his grace as the fuel I need to grow my faith and move ever closer to him.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

When was the last time you checked the level of your GRACE TANK?