STOPPED FROM GROWING

Over four hundred years ago, a Japanese gardener planted a small pine sapling in one inch of soil in a small bowl. As the tree aged, he would remove it from the soil, trim its roots and branches and then replant it.

When he died, his eldest son continued the work that he started, and a tradition was born. This tradition has been continued through thirteen generations. That tree still stands in the original dish. After four hundred years, that tree is only twenty inches tall.

In Peter’s letter to the early church, he provided some extremely important advice: “Grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Peter was well aware that his time on earth was ending. So in this letter he magnifies the message that God placed on his heart as he faced the end of his journey.

Through the ages his words echo in our hearts: “His divine power gives us everything we need to live a godly life.”

That “divine power” leads to growth, that growth comes from knowledge and that knowledge comes from His Word that nourishes our faith and trust. If we want to become who God wants us to become and do what He would have us to do, we must allow the “roots” of our relationship with Christ to go deep into His Word so that our “branches” will bear the fruits of the Spirit.

Prayer:  Help us, Heavenly Father, to recognize the importance of growing in our knowledge of You so that we will enjoy Your favor as we live for and serve You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18