Holiness!

by J.C. Ryle
(1816—1900)
 

Growth in Grace
 

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" 2 Peter 3:18

The subject of the text which heads this page is one that ought to be deeply interesting to every true Christian. It naturally raises the questions: "Do we grow in grace?" "Do we advance in our religion?" "Do we make progress?"

To a mere formal Christian, I cannot expect the inquiry to seem worth attention. The man who has nothing more than a kind of Sunday religion — whose Christianity is like his Sunday clothes, put on once a week, and then laid aside — such a man cannot, of course, be expected to care about growth in grace. He knows nothing about such matters. They are foolishness to him (1 Corinthians 2:14). But to everyone who is in downright earnest about his soul, and hungers and thirsts after spiritual life — the question ought to come home with searching power. Do we make progress in our religion? Do we grow?

The question is one that is always useful — but especially so at certain seasons. A Saturday night, a communion Sunday, the return of a birthday, the end of a year — all these are seasons that ought to set us thinking and make us look within. Time is fast flying. Life is fast ebbing away. The hour is daily drawing nearer when the reality of our Christianity will be tested, and it will be seen whether we have built on "the rock" or on "the sand." Surely it befits us from time to time to examine ourselves and take account of our souls? Do we advance in spiritual things? Do we grow?

The question is one that is of special importance in the present day. Crude and strange opinions are floating in men's minds on some points of doctrine, and among others — on whether growth in grace is an essential part of true holiness. By some it is totally denied. By others it is explained away and pared down to nothing. By thousands it is misunderstood, and consequently neglected. In a day like this, it is useful to look fairly in the face the whole subject of Christian growth.

As we consider this subject, I want to make mention of . . .
the reality of growth in grace,
the marks or signs of growth in grace,
and the means of growth in grace.

I do not know you, into whose hands this text may have fallen. But I am not ashamed to ask your best attention to its contents. Believe me, the subject is no mere matter of idle speculation and controversy. It is an eminently practical subject, if any is in religion. It is intimately and inseparably connected with the whole question of sanctification. It is a leading mark of true saints — that they grow. The spiritual health and prosperity, the spiritual happiness and comfort of every true-hearted and holy Christian — are intimately connected with the subject of spiritual growth.

 

1. The REALITY of growth in grace.

That any professor should deny the reality of Christian growth, is at first sight a strange and melancholy thing. But it is fair to remember that man's understanding is fallen, no less than his will. Disagreements about doctrines are often nothing more than disagreements about the meaning of words. I try to hope that it is so in the present case. I try to believe that when I speak of growth in grace and maintain it, I mean one thing — while my brethren who deny it, mean quite another. Let me therefore clear the way, by explaining what I mean.

When I speak of growth in grace, I do not for a moment mean that a believer's saving interest in Christ can grow. I do not mean that he can grow in safety, acceptance with God or security. I do not mean that he can ever be more justified, more pardoned, more forgiven, more at peace with God — than he is the first moment that he believes. I hold firmly that the justification of a believer is a finished, perfect and complete work — and that the weakest saint, though he may not know and feel it, is as completely justified as the strongest.

I hold firmly that our election, calling and standing in Christ, admit of no degrees, increase or diminishing. If anyone dreams that by growth in grace, I mean growth in justification — he is utterly wide of the mark and utterly mistaken about the whole point I am considering. I would go to the stake, God helping me, for the glorious truth, that in the matter of justification before God — every believer is complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). Nothing can be added to his justification from the moment he believes — and nothing taken away.

When I speak of growth in grace, I only mean increase in the degree, size, strength, vigor and power — of the graces which the Holy Spirit plants in a believer's heart. I hold that every one of those graces admits of growth, progress and increase. I hold that repentance, faith, hope, love, humility, zeal, courage and the like — may be . . .
little or great,
strong or weak,
vigorous or feeble — and
may vary greatly in the same man at different periods of his life.

When I speak of a man growing in grace, I mean simply that . . .
his sense of sin is becoming deeper,
his faith is becoming stronger,
his hope is becoming brighter,
his love is becoming more extensive,
his spiritual-mindedness is becoming more marked,

he feels more of the power of godliness in his own heart — and he manifests more of it in his life. He is going on from strength to strength, from faith to faith and from grace to grace. I leave it to others to describe such a man's condition by any words they please. For myself I think the truest and best account of him is this — he is growing in grace.

One principal ground on which I build this doctrine of growth in grace, is the plain language of Scripture. If words in the Bible mean anything, there is such a thing as growth, and believers ought to be exhorted to grow. What does Paul say? "Your faith grows exceedingly" (2 Thessalonians 1:3). "We beseech you . . . that you increase more and more" (1 Thessalonians 4:10). "Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10). "Having hope, when your faith is increased" (2 Corinthians 10:15). "May the Lord make you to increase . . . in love" (1 Thessalonians 3:12). "That you may grow up into Him in all things" (Ephesians 4:15). "I pray that your love may abound . . . more and more" (Philippians 1:9). "We beseech you, as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more" (1 Thessalonians 4:1). What does Peter say? "Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). I know not what others think of such texts. To me, they seem to establish the doctrine for which I contend and to be incapable of any other explanation. Growth in grace is taught in the Bible. I might stop here and say no more.

The other ground, however, on which I build the doctrine of growth in grace, is the ground of fact and experience. I ask any honest reader of the New Testament, whether he cannot see degrees of grace in the New Testament saints whose histories are recorded, as plainly as the sun at noonday. I ask him whether he cannot see in the very same people, as great a difference between their faith and knowledge at one time and at another — as between the same man's strength when he is an infant, and when he is a grown-up man. I ask him whether the Scripture does not distinctly recognize this in the language it uses, when it speaks of "weak" faith and "strong" faith, and of Christians as "new-born babes," "little children," "young men," and "fathers"? (1 Peter 2:2; 1 John 2:12-14.)

I ask him, above all, whether his own observation of believers nowadays does not bring him to the same conclusion? What true Christian would not confess that there is as much difference between the degree of his own faith and knowledge when he was first converted — and his present attainments; as there is between a sapling — and a full-grown tree? His graces are the same in principle — but they have grown. I know not how these facts strike others; to my eyes they seem to prove, most unanswerably, that growth in grace is a real thing.

I feel almost ashamed to dwell so long upon this part of my subject. In fact, if any man means to say that the faith and hope and knowledge and holiness of a newly-converted person, are as strong as those of an old-established believer and need no increase — it is a waste of time to argue further. No doubt they are . . .
as real — but not so strong;
as true — but not so vigorous;
as much seeds of the Spirit's planting — but not yet so fruitful.

And if anyone asks how they are to become stronger, I say it must be by the same process by which all things having life increase — they must grow. And this is what I mean by growth in grace.

I want men to look at growth in grace as a thing of infinite importance to the soul. In a more practical sense, our best interests would be met with a serious inquiry into the question of spiritual growth.

a. Growth in grace is the best evidence of spiritual health and prosperity. In a child or a flower or a tree, we are all aware that when there is no growth — there is something wrong. Healthy life in an animal or vegetable will always show itself by progress and increase. It is just the same with our souls. If they are progressing and doing well — they will grow.

b. Growth in grace is one way to be happy in our religion. God has wisely linked together our comfort — and our increase in holiness. He has graciously made it our interest to press on and aim high in our Christianity. There is a vast difference between the amount of sensible enjoyment which one believer has in his religion — compared to another. But you may be sure that ordinarily, the man who feels the most "joy and peace in believing" and has the clearest witness of the Spirit in his heart is the man who grows.

c. Growth in grace is one secret of usefulness to others. Our influence on others for good, depends greatly on what they see in us. The children of the world measure Christianity quite as much by their eyes — as by their ears. The Christian who is always at a standstill, to all appearance the same man, with the same little faults and weaknesses and besetting sins and petty infirmities — is seldom the Christian who does much good. The man who shakes and stirs minds, and sets the world thinking — is the believer who is continually improving and going forward. Men think there is life and reality — when they see growth.

d. Growth in grace pleases God. It may seem an astonishing thing, no doubt, that anything done by such creatures as we are — can give pleasure to the Most High God. But so it is. The Scripture speaks of walking so as to please God. The Scripture says there are sacrifices with which "God is well pleased" (1 Thessalonians 4:1; Hebrews 13:16). The gardener loves to see the plants on which he has bestowed labor, flourishing and bearing fruit. It cannot but disappoint and grieve him to see them stunted and standing still. Now what does our Lord Himself say? "I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Gardener." "Herein is My Father glorified — that you bear much fruit; so shall you be My disciples" (John 15:1, 8). The Lord takes pleasure in all His people — but especially in those who bear much fruit and grow.

e. Let us know, above all, that growth in grace is not only a thing possible — but a thing for which believers are accountable. To tell an unconverted man, dead in sins, to grow in grace — would doubtless be absurd. To tell a believer, who is quickened and alive to God, to grow — is only summoning him to a plain Scriptural duty. He has a new principle within him, and it is a solemn duty not to quench it. Neglect of . . .
growth robs him of privileges,
grieves the Spirit and
makes the chariot wheels of his soul move heavily.

Whose fault is it, I would like to know, if a believer does not grow in grace? The fault, I am sure, cannot be laid on God. He delights to give more grace; He "has pleasure in the prosperity of His servants" (James 4:6; Psalm 35:27). The fault, no doubt, is our own. We ourselves are to blame, and none else, if we do not grow.

 

2. The MARKS of growth in grace.

Let me take it for granted that we do not question the reality of growth in grace, and its vast importance. So far so good. But you now want to know how anyone may find out whether he is growing in grace or not? I answer that question, in the first place, by observing that we are very poor judges of our own condition — and that bystanders often know us better than we know ourselves. But I answer further that there are undoubtedly certain great marks and signs of growth in grace — and that wherever you see these marks — you see a growing soul. I will now proceed to place some of these marks before you in order.

a. One mark of growth in grace, is increased HUMILITY. The man whose soul is growing, feels his own sinfulness and unworthiness more every year.

He is ready to say with Job, "I am vile!"
And with Abraham, "I am dust and ashes!"
And with Jacob, "I am not worthy of the least of all Your mercies!"
And with David, "I am a worm!"
And with Isaiah, "I am a man of unclean lips!"

And with Peter, "I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
(Job 40:4; Genesis 18:27; 32:10; Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 6:5; Luke 5:8). The nearer he draws to God, and the more he sees of God's holiness and perfections — the more thoroughly is he sensible of his own countless sins and imperfections. The further he journeys in the way to Heaven — the more he understands what Paul meant when he says,

"I am not already perfect!"
"I am not fit to be called an apostle!"
"I am less than the least of all saints!"
"I am the chief of sinners!"
(Philippians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15).

The riper he is for glory, the more, like the ripe corn — he hangs down his head. The brighter and clearer is his gospel light — the more he sees of the shortcomings and infirmities of his own heart. When first converted, he would tell you he saw but little of them — compared to what he sees now. Would anyone know whether he is growing in grace? Be sure that you look within for increased humility.

b. Another mark of growth in grace, is increased FAITH and LOVE towards our Lord Jesus Christ. The man whose soul is growing, finds more in Christ to rest upon every year, and rejoices more that he has such a Savior. No doubt he saw much in Him, when first he believed. His faith laid hold on the atonement of Christ, and gave him hope. But as he grows in grace, he sees a thousand things in Christ of which at first he never dreamed!

His love and power,
His heart and His intentions,
His offices as Substitute, Intercessor, Priest, Advocate, Physician, Shepherd and Friend

 — unfold themselves to a growing soul in an unspeakable manner. In short, he discovers a suitableness in Christ to the needs of his soul, of which the half was once not known to him! Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increased knowledge of, and love to Christ.

c. Another mark of growth in grace, is increased HOLINESS of life and conduct. The man whose soul is growing, gets more dominion over sin, the world and the devil every year. He becomes more careful about . . .
his temper,
his words and
his actions. He is more watchful over his conduct in every relation of life. He strives more to be conformed to the image of Christ in all things, and to follow Him as his example — as well as to trust in Him as his Savior. He is not content with old attainments and former grace. He forgets the things that are behind, and reaches forth unto those things which are before, making "Higher!" "Upward!" "Forward!" "Onward!" his continual motto (Philippians 3:13). On earth, he thirsts and longs to have a will more entirely in unison with God's will. In Heaven, the chief thing that he looks for, next to the presence of Christ — is complete separation from all sin. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increased holiness.

d. Another mark of growth in grace, is increased SPIRITUALITY of taste and mind. The man whose soul is growing, takes more interest in spiritual things every year. He does not neglect his duty in the world. He discharges faithfully, diligently and conscientiously — every relation of life, whether at home or abroad. But the things he loves best are spiritual things. The amusements and recreations of the world, have a continually decreasing place in his heart. He does not condemn them as downright sinful, nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to Hell. He only feels that they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections — and gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. Spiritual companions, spiritual occupations, spiritual conversation — are of ever-increasing value to him. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increasing spirituality of taste.

e. Another mark of growth in grace, is increase in LOVE to others. The man whose soul is growing, is more full of love every year — of love to all men — but especially of love towards the brethren.

His love will show itself actively — in a growing disposition to do kindnesses, to take trouble for others, to be good-natured to everybody, to be generous, sympathizing, thoughtful, tender-hearted and considerate.

His love will show itself passively — in a growing disposition to be meek and patient towards all men, to put up with provocation and not stand upon his rights, to bear and forbear much rather than quarrel. A growing soul will try to put the best construction on other people's conduct, and to believe all things and hope all things, even to the end. There is no surer mark of backsliding and falling off in grace — than an increasing disposition to find fault, pick holes, and see weak points in others. Would anyone know if he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increasing love to others.

f. One more mark of growth in grace, is increased ZEAL and diligence in trying to do good to souls. The man who is really growing, will take greater interest in the salvation of sinners every year. Missions at home and abroad, efforts of every kind to spread the gospel, attempts of any sort to increase gospel light and diminish gospel darkness — all these things will every year have a greater place in his attention.

He will not become "weary in well-doing," just because he does not see every effort succeed. He will not care less for the progress of Christ's cause on earth, as he grows older, though he will learn to expect less. He will just work on, whatever the result may be — giving, praying, speaking, visiting, according to his position — and count his work its own reward. One of the surest marks of spiritual decline — is a decreased interest about the souls of others, and the growth of Christ's kingdom. Would anyone know whether he is growing in grace? Then let him look within for increased concern about the salvation of souls.

Those high-flying religionists, whose only notion of Christianity is that of a state of perpetual joy and ecstasy, who tell you that they have got far beyond the region of conflict and soul-humiliation — such people no doubt will regard the marks I have laid down as "legal," "carnal" and "tending to bondage." I cannot help that. I call no man master in these things. I only wish my statements to be tried in the balance of Scripture.

And I firmly believe that what I have said is not only Scriptural — but agreeable to the experience of the most eminent saints in every age. Show me a man in whom the six marks I have mentioned can be found. He is the man who can give a satisfactory answer to the question: "Do we grow?" Such are the most trustworthy marks of growth in grace. Let us examine them carefully and consider what we ourselves know about them.
 

3. The MEANS of growth in grace.

The words of James must never be forgotten: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). This is no doubt as true of growth in grace — as it is of everything else. It is the "gift of God." But still it must always be kept in mind, that God is pleased to work by means. God has ordained means — as well as ends. He who would grow in grace — must use the means of growth.

This is a point, I fear, which is too much overlooked by believers. Many admire growth in grace in others — and wish that they themselves were like them. But they seem to suppose that those who grow, are what they are by some special gift or grant from God — and that, as this gift is not bestowed on themselves, they must be content to sit still. This is a grievous delusion, and one against which I desire to testify with all my might. I wish it to be distinctly understood, that growth in grace is bound up with the use of means within the reach of all believers; and that, as a general rule, growing souls are what they are — because they use these means.

Let me ask the special attention of my readers while I try to set forth in order, the means of growth. Cast away forever, the vain thought that if a believer does not grow in grace — it is not his fault. Settle it in your mind that a believer, a man quickened by the Spirit, is not a mere dead creature — but a being of mighty capacities and responsibilities. Let the words of Solomon sink down into your heart: "The soul of the diligent shall be made fat" (Proverbs 13:4).

a. One thing essential to growth in grace, is diligence in the use of private means of grace. By these I understand such means as a man must use by himself alone, and no one can use for him. I include under this head . . .
private prayer,
private reading of the Scriptures,
private meditation, and
private self-examination.

The man who does not take pains about these things, must never expect to grow. Here are the roots of true Christianity. Wrong here — and a man is wrong all the way through! Here is the whole reason why many professing Christians never seem to get on. They are careless and slovenly about their private prayers. They read their Bibles, but little and with very little heartiness of spirit. They give themselves no time for self-inquiry and quiet thought about the state of their souls.

It is useless to conceal from ourselves, that the age we live in is full of peculiar dangers. It is an age of great activity — and of much hurry, bustle and excitement in religion. Many are "running to and fro," no doubt, and "knowledge is increased" (Dan. 12:4). Thousands are ready enough for public meetings, sermon hearing, or anything else in which there is "sensation." Few appear to remember the absolute necessity of making time to "commune with our own hearts, and be still" (Psalm 4:4). But without this, there is seldom any deep spiritual prosperity. Let us remember this point! Private religion must receive our first attention — if we wish our souls to grow.

b. Another thing which is essential to growth in grace, is carefulness in the use of public means of grace. By these I understand such means as a man has within his reach as a member of Christ's visible church. Under this head I include the ordinances of regular Sunday worship, the uniting with God's people in common prayer and praise, the preaching of the Word, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

I firmly believe that the manner in which these public means of grace are used, has much to say to the prosperity of a believer's soul. It is easy to use them in a cold and heartless way. The very familiarity of them, is apt to make us careless. The regular return of the same voice, and the same kind of words, and the same ceremonies — is likely to make us sleepy and callous and unfeeling. Here is a snare into which too many professing Christians fall. If we would grow, we must be on our guard here. Here is a matter in which the Spirit is often grieved, and saints receive great damage. Let us strive to use the old prayers, and sing the old hymns, and kneel at the old communion rail, and hear the old truths preached — with as much freshness and appetite as in the year we first believed.

It is a sign of bad health — when a person loses relish for his food; and it is a sign of spiritual decline — when we lose our appetite for means of grace. Whatever we do about public means, let us always do it "with our might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). This is the way to grow!

c. Another thing essential to growth in grace, is watchfulness over our conduct in the little matters of everyday life. Our tempers, our tongues, the discharge of our several relations of life, our employment of time — each and all must be vigilantly attended to, if we wish our souls to prosper. Life is made up of days, and days of hours — and the little things of every hour, are never so little as to be beneath the care of a Christian. When a tree begins to decay at root or heart, the mischief is first seen at the extreme end of the little branches. "He who despises little things," says an uninspired writer, "shall fall little by little." That witness is true. Let others despise us, if they like, and call us precise and overly careful. Let us patiently hold on our way, remembering that "we serve a precise God," that our Lord's example is to be copied in the least things — as well as the greatest; and that we must "take up our cross daily" and hourly — rather than sin. We must aim to have a Christianity which, like the sap of a tree, runs through every twig and leaf of our character, and sanctifies all. This is one way to grow!

d. Another thing which is essential to growth in grace, is caution about the company we keep, and the friendships we form. Nothing perhaps affects man's character, more than the company he keeps. We catch the ways and tone of those we live and talk with, and unhappily get harm — far more easily than good. Disease is infectious — but health is not!

Now if a professing Christian deliberately chooses to be intimate with those who are not friends of God, and who cling to the world — his soul is sure to be harmed. It is hard enough to serve Christ under any circumstances, in such an evil world as this. But it is doubly hard to do it — if we are close friends of the thoughtless and ungodly. Mistakes in friendship or marriage engagements, are the whole reason why some have entirely ceased to grow. "Do not be misled — Bad company corrupts good character!" 1 Corinthians 15:33 ." "The friendship of the world is enmity with God" (1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4). Let us seek friends who will stir us up about . . .
our prayers, our Bible reading, and our employment of time;
about our souls, our salvation, and the world to come.

Who can tell the good that a friend's word in season may do, or the harm that it may stop? This is one way to grow.

e. There is one more thing which is absolutely essential to growth in grace, and that is regular and habitual communion with the Lord Jesus. In saying this, let no one suppose for a minute that I am referring to the Lord's Supper. I mean nothing of the kind. I mean that daily habit of communion between the believer and his Savior, which can only be carried on by faith, prayer and meditation. It is a habit, I fear, of which many believers know little. A man may be a believer and have his feet on the Rock — and yet live far below his privileges. It is possible to have "union" with Christ — and yet to have little if any "communion" with Him. But, for all that, there is such a thing.

The names and offices of Christ, as laid down in Scripture, appear to me to show unmistakably, that this communion between the saint and his Savior is not mere imagination — but a real true thing.
Between the Bridegroom — and His bride,
between the Head — and His members,
between the Physician — and His patients,
between the Advocate — and His clients,
between the Shepherd — and His sheep,
between the Master — and His scholars —
there is evidently implied a habit . . .
of familiar communion,
of daily application for things needed,
of daily pouring out and unburdening our hearts and minds.

Such a habit of dealing with Christ, is clearly something more than a vague general trust in the work that Christ did for sinners. It is getting close to Him and laying hold on Him with confidence — as a loving, personal Friend. This is what I mean by communion.

Now I believe that no man will ever grow in grace, who does not know something experimentally of the habit of communion. We must not be content with a general orthodox knowledge that Christ is the Mediator between God and man, and that justification is by faith and not by works, and that we put our trust in Christ. We must go further than this. We must seek to have personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus, and to deal with Him as a man deals with a loving friend. We must realize what it is . . .
to turn to Him first in every need,
to talk to Him about every difficulty,
to consult Him about every step,
to spread before Him all our sorrows,
to get Him to share in all our joys,
to do all as in His sight, and
to go through every day leaning on and looking to Him!

This is the way that Paul lived: "The life which I now live in the flesh — I live by faith in the Son of God." "To me to live is Christ" (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21). It is ignorance of this way of living, which makes so many see no beauty in the book of Canticles. But it is the man who lives in this way, who keeps up constant communion with Christ — this is the man, I say emphatically, whose soul will grow!
 

Although much more could be said on this weighty subject, let us now turn to some PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS, keeping in mind its tremendous importance.

1. This text may fall into the hands of some who know nothing whatever about growth in grace. They have little or no concern about religion. A little Sunday church-going or chapel-going, makes up the sum and substance of their Christianity. They are without spiritual life — so of course they cannot at present grow. Are you one of these people? If you are, you are in a pitiable condition.

Years are slipping away, and time is flying. Graveyards are filling up, and families are thinning. Death and judgment are getting nearer to us all! And yet you live like one asleep about your soul! What madness! What folly! What suicide can be worse than this?

Awake before it is too late; awake, and arise from the dead, and live to God. Turn to Him who is sitting at the right hand of God, to be your Savior and Friend. Turn to Christ, and cry mightily to Him about your soul. There is yet hope! He who called Lazarus from the grave — has not changed. He who commanded the widow's son at Nain to arise from his casket — can do miracles yet for your soul. Seek Him at once: seek Christ, if you would not be lost forever. Do not stand still talking and meaning and intending and wishing and hoping. Seek Christ that you may live; and that living — you may grow.

2. This text may fall into the hands of some who should know something of growth in grace — but at present know nothing at all. They have made little or no progress since they were first converted. They seem to have "settled on their lees" (Zeph. 1:12). They go on from year to year content with old grace, old experience, old knowledge, old faith, old measure of attainment, old religious expressions, old set phrases. Like the Gibeonites — their bread is always moldy, and their shoes are patched and clouted. They never appear to progress. Are you one of these people? If you are, you are living far below your privileges and responsibilities. It is high time to examine yourself!

If you have reason to hope that you are a true believer, and yet do not grow in grace — there must be a fault, and a serious fault somewhere! It cannot be the will of God that your soul should stand still. "He gives more grace." He takes "pleasure in the prosperity of His servants" (James 4:6; Psalm 35:27). It cannot be for your own happiness or usefulness, that your soul should stand still. Without growth, you will never rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Without growth, you will never do good to others. Surely this lack of growth is a serious matter! It should raise in you great searchings of heart. There must be some "secret thing" (Job 15:11). There must be some cause!

Take the advice I give you. Resolve this very day that you will find out the reason of your standstill condition. Probe every corner of your soul, with a faithful and firm hand. Search from one end of the camp to the other, until you find out the Achan who is weakening you! Begin with an application to the Lord Jesus Christ, the great Physician of souls, and ask Him to heal the secret ailment within you, whatever it may be. Begin as if you had never applied to Him before, and ask for grace to cut off the right hand and pluck out the right eye. But never, never be content — if your soul does not grow.

For your peace's sake,
for your usefulness' sake,
for the honor of your Maker's cause —
resolve to find out the reason why!

3. This message may fall into the hands of some who are really growing in grace — but are not aware of it, and will not allow it. Their very growth — is the reason why they do not see their growth! Their continual increase in humility — prevents them feeling that they advance. Like Moses, when he came down from the mount from communing with God, their faces shine. And yet, like Moses, they are not aware of it (Ex. 34:29). Such Christians, I grant freely, are not common. But here and there such are to be found. Like angels' visits, they are few and far between. Happy is the neighborhood where such growing Christians live! To meet them and see them and be in their company — is like meeting and seeing a bit of "Heaven upon earth."

Now what shall I say to such people? What can I say? What ought I to say? Shall I bid them awake to a consciousness of their own growth, and be pleased with it? I will do nothing of the kind! Shall I tell them to plume themselves on their own attainments, and look at their own superiority to others? God forbid! I will do nothing of the kind! To tell them such things, would do them no good. To tell them such things, above all, would be a useless waste of time.

If there is any one feature about a growing soul which specially marks him — it is his deep sense of his own unworthiness. He never sees anything to be praised in himself. He only feels that he is an unprofitable servant and the chief of sinners. It is the godly, in the picture of the judgment day, who say, "Lord, when did we see You hungry — and feed You?" (Matthew 25:37). Extremes do indeed meet strangely sometimes. The conscience-hardened sinner — and the eminent saint — are in one respect singularly alike. Neither of them fully realizes his own condition. The one does not see his own sin — nor the other his own grace!

But shall I say nothing to growing Christians? Is there no word of counsel I can address to them? The sum and substance of all that I can say is to be found in two sentences "Go forward!" "Press on!"

We can never have . . .
too much humility,
too much faith in Christ,
too much holiness,
too much spirituality of mind,
too much love,
too much zeal in doing good to others.

Then let us be continually forgetting the things behind, and reaching forth unto the things before (Philippians 3:13). The best of Christians in these matters, is infinitely below the perfect pattern of his Lord. Whatever the world may please to say, we may be sure there is no danger of any of us becoming too holy.

Let us cast to the winds as idle talk, the common notion that it is possible to be "extreme" and go "too far" in religion. This is a favorite lie of the devil and one which he circulates with vast industry. No doubt there are enthusiasts and fanatics to be found, who bring an evil report upon Christianity by their extravagances and follies. But if anyone means to say that a mortal man can be too humble, too charitable, too holy or too diligent in doing good — he must either be an infidel or a fool. In serving pleasure and money — it is easy to go too far. But in following the things which make up true religion and in serving Christ — there can be no extreme.

Let us never measure our religion by that of others, and think we are doing enough — if we have gone beyond our neighbors. This is another snare of the devil. Let us mind our own business. "What is that to you?" said our Master on a certain occasion, "Follow Me" (John 21:22). Let us follow on, aiming at nothing short of perfection. Let us follow on, making Christ's life and character — our only pattern and example. Let us follow on, remembering daily that at our best — we are but miserable sinners. Let us follow on, and never forget that it signifies nothing whether we are better than others or not. At our very best — we are far worse than we ought to be. There will always be room for improvement in us. We shall be debtors to Christ's mercy and grace, to the very last. Then let us leave off looking at others, and comparing ourselves with others. We shall find enough to do, if we look at our own hearts.

Last — but not least, if we know anything of growth in grace and desire to know more — let us not be surprised if we have to go through much trial and affliction in this world. I firmly believe it is the experience of nearly all the most eminent saints. Like their blessed Master, they have been men of sorrows, acquainted with grief, and perfected through sufferings (Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 2:10). It is a striking saying of our Lord, "Every branch in Me that bears fruit — my Father purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (John 15:2). It is a melancholy fact, that constant temporal prosperity, as a general rule — is injurious to a believer's soul. We cannot grow under it. Sicknesses and losses and crosses and anxieties and disappointments — seem absolutely needful to keep us humble, watchful and spiritual-minded. They are as needful as the pruning knife to the vine, and the refiner's furnace to the gold. They are not pleasant to flesh and blood. We do not like them, and often do not see their meaning. "No chastening for the present seems to be joyous — but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Hebrews 12:11). We shall find that all worked for our good when we reach Heaven.

Let these thoughts abide in our minds, if we love growth in grace. When days of darkness come upon us, let us not count it a strange thing. Rather let us remember that lessons are learned on such days, which would never have been learned in sunshine. Let us say to ourselves, "This also is for my profit, that I may be a partaker of God's holiness. It is sent in love. I am in God's best school. Correction is instruction. This is meant to make me grow!"

I leave the subject of growth in grace here. I trust I have said enough to set some readers thinking about it.

All things are growing older — the world is growing old; we ourselves are growing older. A few more summers, a few more winters, a few more sicknesses, a few more sorrows, a few more weddings, a few more funerals, a few more meetings and a few more partings — and then — what? Why, the grass will be growing over our graves!