In 2 Peter 3:18, the apostle says to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The reasons why this kind of growth is a good idea are beyond quantification.

But here’s one of them. You never know what challenges you’ll face in the future. But what you DO know is that YOU’LL be the one dealing with them.

So doesn’t it make sense to be doing the work of growth now so that when you come up against those challenging situations you’ll be better equipped to deal with them?

When we grow in the grace of Jesus we are increasingly secure in him, and are increasingly loving toward others because of him.

And when we grow in the knowledge of Jesus we are increasingly knowledgeable about his wisdom, less likely to be led astray, and more likely to speak and act in a way that honours him—even when stuff gets tough.

Be intentional. Make the time. The future you will thank you.

You may not be able to fully prepare for every situation, but you can prepare who you are.

“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”

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Notes:

–“Be prepared, not surprised.” That is my latest sermon based on Luke 21:5-38—a message about the end times, the Jerusalem temple, and being ready to meet Jesus. You can watch or listen here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.