II Thessalonians 1:3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”
Every now and then, we, as believers need a reality check. It is easy to slow down and possibly even stop in spiritual growth. This world offers many distractions that demand our time and energy, which can take our focus off of Christ.
None Christian is completely immune to this effect. Perhaps the only way to see where we are is to take a look – with God’s help – to find out if we are still headed toward the goal of growing in grace. We also need to see if we are more like Christ than we were one or two months ago.
The apostle Paul commended the Thessalonian believers because their “faith groweth exceedingly.” How could he know? Because they were doing more and more by faith and it was evident to all those around them. They did not merely have head knowledge, but they believed the Word of God and acted on it. Their faith showed in the way they lived.
These believers also grew in charity – or love. Love was evident in their midst, which made attending church so much better. Love is to be the key mark of a believer.
Can other people, even those that are not saved, tell that you are a Christian – or do your actions and words make them wonder? Take a few minutes and ask yourself and God – have you been growing? Are you spiritually stronger now to do the will of God than you were a year ago? What evidence is there of growth and spiritual fruit in your life? Are you having better victory over sin?
If not, talk to the Lord today and confess it. Then, surrender afresh to His will today and get back on track.