Growing in Grace and Knowledge

Photo image courtesy of Nils Stahl on Unsplash

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

I’ve been toying with the idea of signing up for a course that would give me certification in spiritual formation and development. It’s been in the back of my head for years, and I wondered if this academic year is the year to start. I’ve done the research, figured out deadlines and schedules, and prayed for direction and discernment. But I needed to assess one more item: What was the benefit for my soul? Sure, it would certainly be a good option, but would it be best in this season? What is the Lord asking of me as I seek to grow spiritually?

What is the Lord asking of all of us as we enter this season of schooling? Whichever schooling you may be in right now—continued or higher learning, just beginning, jumping into something new, or ushering your kids into regular rhythms again—remember, God has something to teach us, authentically and personally.

It’s good to grow in our head knowledge in what we can discover and apply, but let’s also grow in heart knowledge. In other words, how to grow Christ-like and live like Him.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18, NIV)

Spiritual growth, or transformation, is for our benefit, acquiring wisdom when we look to the teachings of Jesus and how He spent His days on earth. Study the Scripture, focus on a specific book or a topic that’s on your heart. And make prayer more of a regular habit.

Making our mark in this world requires learning, but also living it out, to leave a lasting impression and showing others the love of God. This always requires a willing and curious spirit, and a humility that looks to God’s ways, not our own. Learning requires a teachable heart and a posture of expectancy. Look to Jesus and His life. He shows us everything we need to walk this life and transform into what He looks like.

We learn. We love. And we grow.

As this new school year begins, remember that we’ve been given the gift of learning, grow in God’s grace, and lean on the wisdom of the Lord. He is the greatest Teacher, and what we retain from Him holds eternal value.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What do you want to learn about God right now?

2. God wants you to grow in Jesus’s grace and knowledge. Spend time in His Word to understand what that looks like.