Keep Growing

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2

Focus Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15  "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."

Every believer is going to face troubles in this life.  These difficulties will not go away until we get to heaven.  God uses these hard times in our lives to grow our faith.  I have noticed in my own life that during times of difficulties I pray and read my Bible a lot more.  The Christian life is about constant growth, learning, and transformation.  When we got saved that was immediate, but becoming more like Jesus takes a lifetime.  I don't have anything better in which to invest my life than that.  Do you?

Some people say, "Oh, I tried the Christian life, and it didn't work for me."  First, I wonder about their conversion.  Did they truly repent?  Then my question to them is, "Did they do their part?" 

There are many things the Bible tells us we should do as a result of truly being saved.  For example, did they begin to study and memorize Scripture?  The Bible says that we should hide God's word in our hearts.  (Psalm 119:11) Did they meet regularly with believers as a church?  Did they turn from all known sin in their lives?  Did they follow Jesus teachings for living a Godly life?  The Bible says, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked"  (1 John 2:6).   New Christians or old, the way we face obstacles is to keep moving forward and to keep on growing.  Even if you fall, you can get back up and move forward.

God will examine what kind of servant we have been for Him.  We should build our lives on His Word and build His Word into our lives.  The Bible alone tells us how to live for Him and to serve Him.  Christians who ignore the Bible will be ashamed at the judgment.  Constant study of God's Word is most important in our lives.  Otherwise neglecting God and the Bible will cause us to loose our true purpose for living.

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
www.interlockingministries.org