Growth in Grace

«Grow in grace;» says the apostle Peter, «and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.» This is the rule of Christian living. But many, both individuals and churches, are like sickly plants, and make but a feeble growth. And the question is constantly pressing, What can be done to promote and maintain spiritual life in the churches?

Many churches have but a small membership. Must they therefore become inactive, weak, and sickly, and permit discouragement to come upon them?—No, never! If there are but six working members, each of these should feel a responsibility to keep up the interest of the church. Men who know how to conduct worldly business successfully should be able to use their talents for the upbuilding of the cause of God among them. The members of the church should give diligent attention to the word of God, that they may understand their duty, and then devote all the energies of mind and heart to the work of making their church one of the most prosperous in the land, and one of the most efficient in its Heaven-appointed mission,—the work of rescuing perishing souls.

When Christ’s mission on earth was ended, and he ascended to his Father, he left the church and all its interests as a sacred trust to his followers, bidding them see that it was kept in a flourishing condition. This work cannot be left to the ministers alone, nor to a few leading men. Every member should feel that he has entered into a solemn covenant with the Lord to work for the best interests of his cause at all times and under all circumstances. Each should have some part to act, some burden to bear, thus investing something, in time and interest, for the life and prosperity of the church. If all thus felt an individual responsibility, and were faithful stewards of the grace committed to them, they would make greater advancement in spiritual things. The solemn burden resting upon them would lead them often to seek God in prayer for strength and grace.

The real character of the church is measured, not by the high profession she makes, nor by the names enrolled upon the church book, but by what she is actually doing for the Master, by the number of her faithful, persevering workers. Personal work, and vigilant, individual effort, will effect more for the cause of Christ than can be accomplished by sermons or creeds.

True followers of Christ, the world over, will be Christ-like. Said the Saviour: «Ye shall know them by their fruits.» «A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.» And again: «He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.» This evidence is conclusive. If Christ dwells in the heart, the precious fruits of his Spirit will, as a natural result, be manifested in the life. If Satan controls the mind, evil traits will as surely be apparent.

Those who profess to be the disciples of Christ, while in works they deny him, are serving the arch-enemy in disguise. They are robing themselves in the garments of righteousness to conceal a worldly, selfish, unregenerate nature, and their profession presents a false light to the world. In the field, in the workshop, in the family circle, in the church, they reveal the sad fact that their religion consists in hollow formalism; and they are constantly exerting an influence contrary to true godliness.

We are taught in the word of God that it is the duty of Christ’s followers to prove to the world that while Christianity will lead to industry and economy, it will also condemn avarice and over-reaching, and every other form of dishonesty. The talent, energy, and zeal will not be devoted exclusively to money-getting, but will be used in the interest of the church and the cause of God everywhere. We need God’s presence to control, his wisdom to guide us in all the affairs of life. We cannot afford to separate ourselves from him in the smallest transaction. Unwavering integrity marked the character and life of Christ; one of the principles of Heaven was thus exemplified on earth. If the course of his professed followers is contrary to the life given them as a pattern, they show that they have no part in him.

As he came to Christ, so Satan will come with his temptations to every Christian. «Be not overscrupulous,» he whispers, «in regard to honor and honesty. If you would succeed in getting gain, you must look out sharply for your own interests.» Many listen to these suggestions, and blindly peril their hope of eternal life for worldly gain. But though for a time they may appear to be prosperous and happy, the end will be bitterness and woe.

Says the apostle James: «Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.» «Faith without works is dead.» Every man will manifest in his life all the faith that he has. The Christian’s unselfish earnestness in the cause of truth will make its impression upon the minds of all associated with him. Those who are out of Christ have a constant evidence of the power of divine grace in the integrity and consistent life of his faithful followers. Such Christians render effectual service to their Master.

A church whose members feel that they are not responsible for its prosperity, will fail to show to the world the unity, love, and harmony that exist among the true children of God. Worldlings are constantly watching and criticising with keenness and severity those who profess to serve God, yet show by their lives that they are strangers to the influence of divine grace. «It is too bad,» says the unbeliever, «to spoil a good worldling to make a bad Christian. That man is as sharp and eager to advance his own interests as before he professed religion. And what an unchristian spirit he manifests. How he loves to exalt himself. How unkindly he speaks of others. He sees something to find fault with in every man’s character. I tell you, although he belongs to the church, that man needs watching. There is another who is harsh and severe with those whom he employs. He is impatient even to the animals under his control, and abuses them as though they had no feeling. Such men have made no change for the better.»

In too many cases this is a true picture. What a barrier have such professed Christians erected to hinder sinners from coming to Christ! They are a curse to their families, and a curse to the church. The true disciple of Christ will manifest his meekness and gentleness in strong contrast to the storm and bluster and bravado of the great adversary and his followers.

The second great commandment, «Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,» will be the rule of life with all Christians who are truly growing in grace. Our influence, whether for good or evil, will affect others, and will live when we are no more. Then let us so live that our friends and associates may see that we are governed by the divine rule, full of wisdom and love. A pure, unselfish, well-ordered Christian life is the strongest argument that can be presented in favor of the religion we profess. Such a life will prove to all beholders that there is a divine reality in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dear Christian friends, I repeat, If you are Christ’s, you will work the works of Christ, and not those of his great adversary. If Jesus dwells in the heart, he will be exemplified in the words, in the deportment, in all the acts and purposes of life. Such Christians will be connected with the Living Vine; they will be nourished by the sap in the parent stock, and will grow, and bring forth fruit in good works. They will have favor with God and with men. Peace and joy will be shed around their pathway, and glory will be reflected back to God.

The true spirit of the Christian religion is one of self-sacrifice; self-denial is required at every step. Jesus came down from Heaven to teach us how to live; and his life was one of toil and self-denial. He went about doing good, and those who are truly his representatives will follow his example in working for the good of others. They will delight to advance the interests of the cause of God, both at home and abroad. They will be seen and heard, and their influence will be felt in the prayer-meeting. Yet they do not seek to exalt self, or to receive credit for doing a great work, but labor humbly, meekly, faithfully, doing small errands if they are called for, or a greater work if necessary, to testify their love and gratitude to Christ, who has done so much for them. —