That I May Grow

New Year's Resolutions! We make them, we break them. Yet what I have observed in my own life is that I often think of resolutions for a new year that center on my physical body or earthly pursuits.

This year I take inventory of my life. I observe who I am, whose I am, and who God redeemed me to be. In the self-evaluation of my life in the light of God's Word, I recognize there remains much growth that needs to occur.

Peter wrote to believers saying, "but grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..." (2 Peter 3:18).

This stands as my New Year Resolution and my New Year Prayer. Lord, help me to grow.

Notice that Peter encouraged believers to grow in the grace (riches I don't deserve or earn) and knowledge (your thoughts are too deep O Lord) of Jesus Christ. Too often our study of the Scriptures is self-centered. I want to know the Scriptures. I want to be well-versed in the Bible. I want others to admire my knowledge. However, Peter challenges Christians to grow in the grace and knowledge not of God's written Word, but the One of whom the written Word reveals. That I may grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

His word reveals Him. I must know His Word to know and grow in Him. But may my pursuit and study of His word not be for the sake of having more knowledge or parading myself before others. But rather to know more the One by whom and for whom all things were made--including me!

That I may grow...