Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

October 20– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Grow up in [Christ] in every way.” 

—Ephesians 4:15

Many Christians remain stunted and dwarfed in spiritual things so as to present the same appearance year after year. No growth or advancement is evidenced in their lives. They exist but do not “grow up in Christ in every way.”

But is it right for us to rest content with being a green sprout in the ground when we should grow into a mature plant and eventually ripen to become a seed-bearing plant? Should we be satisfied to believe in Christ and to say, “I am safe,” without wishing to know in our own experience more of the fullness that is meant to be found in him?

It shouldn’t be like that! We should, as good traders in heaven’s market, long to grow wealthy in the knowledge of Jesus. We ought to help others grow in Christ, and we must not neglect our own spiritual growth and ripening. Why should it always be winter time in our hearts? Yes, there are times to go to seed and lie dormant for a while, but O for a spring time and a summer season to follow that gives promise of an early harvest.

If we would ripen in grace, we must live near to Jesus– in his presence– ripened by the sunshine of his smiles. We must hold sweet communion with him. We must leave the distant view of his face and come near as John did and pillow our head on his breast; then we will find ourselves advancing in holiness, in love, in faith, in hope– yes, in every precious gift. As the sun rises first on mountain tops and gilds them with its light, we also ought to delight in seeing the glow of the Spirit’s light on the head of a Christian who has grown up in spiritual stature. Like a mighty, snow-capped Alp, he reflects the earliest beams of the Sun of Righteousness and bears the sheen of his glory for all to see; and, seeing it, many give glory to God in heaven. [M&E]