Nearly two hundred years ago, the English writer Isaac Watts wrote a hymn based on Psalm 98 (“JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME”). Although we traditionally sing this song at Christmas, the lyrics are really about the millennial reign of Christ. As we look back to the wonderful nativity and birth of our LORD during this Season, may we also look forward? In 2Peter 3:1-18, the Apostle Peter writes that Jesus is coming soon, and we are to be looking for HIS return. Peter describes an awesome day coming when the heavens will pass away, the earth elements will melt, and everything in creation will dissolve. Therefore, Peter says, we should be prepared and longing for our Lord’s return. “Seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness,” 2 Peter 3:17. The Christian life is meant to be one of growth and progress. We are commanded, “But Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) We, as HIS  Body, are to radiate “The Glories of HIS Righteousness”.  Yet many times it is difficult to see the difference between the Church and the world. The Church is to become more and more like Jesus. We are to not only be prepared ourselves, but also prepare others to receive “THE KING of GLORY”. We can look mighty busy doing things, but there is a world of difference between activity and progress. In recent years George Barna has stated, “Christianity would be incredibly influential in our culture if Christians lived their Faith, the problem is that millions do not live like Christians and that is partially because they do not know how.”  A good working definition of Spiritual Disciplines is those activities that help us practice God’s Presence. Probably the most common reason for the lack of spiritual growth among Christians is inconsistency such as intake of God’s Word, prayer, Church attendance, accountability, sanctified stewardship, worship, evangelism, solitude, journaling, fasting, tithing, giving, & Bible Study. As this year closes out, take the opportunity to evaluate if you are more like Jesus than you were 6 months to a year ago. The Holy Spirit is the only one on this earth that can rightly examine us, and give us the power to live out THE GLORIES OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; therefore we should invite HIM to do so. “Grace is Holy Ghost empowerment to be like Jesus.”  The Holy Spirit longs for us to ask HIM for help.

 

We might ask, Am I thirstier for God than ever before? Must I have HIM? Psalm 42:1. “As the deer pants for water so my soul pants for YOU, Oh God.” HOLY SPIRIT, am I more sensitive to, and aware of YOUR PRESENCE ? How am I doing on hosting YOU? Have I truly worshipped in Spirit and in truth? Have I sat with YOU and honestly been concerned over a lost and dying world? Have I quenched or grieved YOU? Have I obeyed YOU promptly with the last thing YOU told me to do or not do? Am I allowing Your Power, Your Fruit, and Your Gifts to flow through my life? Am I more sensitive to sin in my life?

In one of the Apostle Paul's last statements he described himself as the chief of all sinner’s (I Timothy 1:15). How could he say that? I believe it was revelation of the mercy that purchased his salvation. The more we spend time in His presence, the greater the revelation of the price paid for our sin.

 

Am I increasing in my love? If we are growing in love then we are growing in grace. Those stalled in selfishness are stuck spiritually. The Apostle Paul prayed for the Church in Philippi, “that their love would abound more and more in depth and insight, so that they would be able to discern what is best and be free from offense till the day of CHRIST JESUS and produce fruit that comes from Jesus Christ for The GLORY OF GOD” (Phil. 1:9-11). There is always room for more love. Have I grown in concern with the physical and spiritual needs of others? (A sure sign of Christian growth is seeing needs you never saw before, and beginning to meet them). Do I fervently pray for the sick, and have Faith to believe for their healings & miracles? Am I governed in a greater degree by God’s Word than I was last year? “All Scripture is God Breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”(2Timothy 3:16-17). Am I more and more concerned with The Church and The Kingdom of God? “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves especially as you see the day approaching,” Hebrews 10:25.  Does my statement of Faith match my lifestyle in a consistent way? Have I been quick to repent? (1 John 1:9) Am I walking more in humility and dying to self? Am I increasing in my willingness to forgive others? Ephesians 4; 32, exhorts us to forgive one another “just as Christ forgave you.”  Forgiveness is one of the hardest and most unnatural things to do. But the more we become like Jesus, who forgives, the more we will be willing to forgive.

 

Do I truly sense the urgency of this hour in which we live and am I Rapture ready? Am I thinking more and more about being with Jesus? One of the signs of becoming more like Jesus is an increasing desire to be where He is. Paul said he was torn between the two, he desired to be with Christ, but it was more necessary for those that he ministered to, for him to remain (Phil. 1:23-24).

 

If we are to be the Glorious Church of Christ Jesus, we must be careful not to drift away from Spiritual progress. Without purpose and occasional evaluation from our Helper the Holy Spirit, we will eventually find that despite our many activities, we can get carried away from Christlikeness and radiating His Glory.

 

The Question is not always how quickly we are growing, but rather it is, are we growing? Regardless of the measure of your maturity, you can start fresh today. What would God have you to do to begin growing in Grace?  God is a God of Increase and He desires His people to grow in Christlikeness, and yes, be the “Glories of His Righteousness” here on this earth. The Earth is indeed groaning for God’s Crown of HIS creation to arise. May we put in action the words to that great hymn, JOY TO THE WORLD?