MAKING CHRISTIAN PROGRESS
One of things the Christian is to focus on is choosing the better things in life. In fact, being a faithful Christian is the best thing in life. We made the choice to be obedient. The reason we make choices is so that we can make progress in various areas of our lives. This begins early in life as many young folks choose clothing to be in style or to make progress up the social ladder in school. We also often begin to select certain subjects to study while in school once we have determined we want to prepare for a specific vocation. We do this to make progress as we become adults. And, as we become adults we continue to make choices so that we can make progress for ourselves and our families.
The greatest choice one can make is to become a Christian. But, to become a Christian and not make progress is not acceptable in the sight of God. As with life, when we become a Christian we are a babe. In 1Peter 2:2 we are told by the Spirit we are expected to “grow” or make progress and how we are to do this. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: Then in 2Peter 3:18 we also see that the growth is to continue so that we can remain pleasing to God. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.
While we go through life, even as a Christian, it is sometimes easy to lose heart, especially when some of our choices are not what they should be or do not turn out as we wished. It is also easy to lose heart when once faithful brethren fail to remain so and depart back into the world. Those who do so have not made Christian progress, but in fact have digressed. We can look into the Word of God to see He has clearly instructed that to return to the world is a mistake none can afford. 2Peter 2:20-22 is a warning to Christians ending with a rather graphic description of the condition of one who has once become a child of God and then again becomes entangled in sin. This is the opposite of Christian progress. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Below is a poem written by my Father-In-Law many years ago and is entitled
“MAKING CHRISTIAN PROGRESS” and shows how to choose to become a Christian and then to never lose heart is definitely choosing the best thing in life.
MAKING CHRISTIAN PROGRESS
(1)
Closer and closer Lord would I be,
I’ve found the answer, learning from Thee
Where would I be if I’d never heard,
How would I know Thee, without the Word?
(2)
Stronger and stronger Lord would I grow,
With Thee beside me, I can, I know,
One single cross I don’t bear alone,
You help me bear them like they are Thine own,
(3)
Purer and purer Lord would I be,
More of Thyself and far less of me.
Crossing the River, I’ll have no fear,
For I know my Savior will always be near.
(4)
Longing and hopeful of wearing a crown,
When faith is sight and the sun has gone down,
Reunion with those who have crossed to that Shore,
Rejoicing in knowing we’ll part never more.
O. D. Wilson - deceased
Choose the best opportunity of life. Learn God’s Word, obey it, and as a faithful Christian, never lose heart. Look forward to being with God forever in heaven when time is no more.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville
