“But grow in grace, and in
the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18
The same way we grow as humans, so also
are virtues grown and increased in levels. Grace is of God and made available
to man to function effectively in any given area or purpose. Someone once said
that there is nothing called achievement in the ministry, but rather ‘Engracement’. If there’s any English
word like that, then it will mean that everything achieved over the years is as
a result of the working of Grace in that man’s life. The anchor scripture
further confirms the fact that Grace can be grown via knowledge of God; the
more of God you know, the more the Grace on your life increases (2 Peter 1:2).
Daniel’s knowledge of God was obviously higher than that of his companions that
was what made him outstanding among them.
He didn’t stop growing in grace
through knowledge by reading books and scrolls written by the earlier prophets
(Daniel 9:2). That was the reason why he said: “…but the people that do know
their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”(Daniel
11:32). Paul the Apostle also
increased in Grace based on the knowledge of God he knew (2 Timothy 4:13,
2:15), he labored in knowledge for the Grace to grow and he desired more from
God (Philippians 3:10). The second instrument of growing in Grace is Humility,
Paul was not puffed up because of the knowledge that he had, but rather saw
himself as inadequate and not knowing enough (1 Corinthians 15:9-10, Ephesians
3:8). Humility is something that should be imbibed by individuals and not God
doing it for you. Some people pray in error that God should humble them, every
case of God humbling a man in the scripture amounts to judgment and are better
imagined than experienced (Exodus 14:22-28, Daniel 4:29-33). Humble yourself
and seek the knowledge of God so you can continue to grow in Grace.
Further Studies:
Daniel 9, 2Peter 1
Prayers
·
Give thanks to God for the secret of growing in Grace revealed to
you
·
Ask God for Grace to grow and manifest more grace everyday
Word Practice
·
Take time to study the word of God daily
·
Humble yourself before God and demonstrate it towards men.