Craig T. Owens

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Take just a moment to read these words from the apostle Peter—

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. … Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…. (2 Peter 3:14, 17-18)

How do I know I’m looking forward and growing? Here’s a checklist that needs to be reviewed regularly:

• Am I spending more time preparing for my future than I am repairing my past?
• Do I know that growth is both hard and rewarding work?
• Do even the littlest of sins disturb me, rob me of peace, and send me quickly to confession and repentance?
• Do I filter all my reading, studying, and learning through the standard of Scripture?
• Is my faith stronger now than it was a year ago?
• Am I exhibiting more Christ-like characteristics—grace, forgiveness, patience—now than I was last year?
• Am I thrilled every time I get to learn more about Jesus?
• Am I more reliant on the Holy Spirit now than I have been in the past, and do I converse with Him more frequently?
• Would those closest to me say that I am becoming more like Jesus?

I hope we can all answer “Yes” to more and more of these items!

Growth is not automatic—this is especially true for spiritual growth. Growth must be intentional or it will not happen. I want to keep going forward in Christ!

May we add our “Amen” to Peter’s prayer: May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

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