Growing Up Into Christ by W. REED

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 26, 1913

Growing Up Into Christ

By W. REED

W. REED

“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.” Hosea 6:3. It is very plain to us from these words of Scripture that there is no standing still in the Christian life. It is a progressive life,—growing up into Christ day by day. “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” The most essential thing for us to have is a knowledge of Christ, of his holy and divine will; for how can we grow up into Christ without a knowledge of his will? The Lord says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6. In order to grow up into Christ and become strong Christians, we should apply wisdom with knowledge,—heavenly wisdom. Wisdom is a knowledge of Christ put into practise, lived out in our lives day by day. If we have the wisdom from above, we shall have the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

The Word tells us that if these things abound in us, we shall be found neither barren nor unfruitful. We may compare the Christian life to a seed sown in the ground. When it first springs up, it is very weak and tender. In order that it may grow, bud, and blossom, it should be placed in the care of a florist or gardener, to be cultivated and protected from the weeds. Then as the warm sunshine and rain from heaven descend upon it, it springs forth into full bloom and perfection, and scatters fragrance all around.

In order that we may grow up into strong Christians, we should enter the school of Christ in the bright morning of youth, and in prayer and study sit daily at the Saviour’s feet, hold sweet communion with him, be obedient children, and learn the lessons that he would have us learn. Then the weeds, which are the temptations and snares of life, will be rooted out and overcome.