True Growth In Grace!

True Growth In Grace!

"To you therefore who believe, He is precious!" (1 Peter 2:7).

The word "precious" has a stronger meaning than appears on the surface; or all-precious. Christ is a sun which ever shines; a garden which is always full of flowers and fruits; a hive ever full of honey; a fountain which is always full; a brook which never dries; a rose that always blooms; an ocean of sweetness without a drop of gall.

To the child of God, a personal living Christ is most dear. He is not satisfied with a mere love for Christ's doctrines, Christ's promises, or Christ's gifts. His affections entwine themselves round about Christ's person. Jesus to him his brother, friend, companion, the one with whom he walks and talks.

True growth in grace consists of a personal Saviour growing increasingly precious.

How sad it is that so many fall short of this experience. Their religion is entered more in a code of rules and collections of doctrines - than in the person of the dear Redeemer.

Yes, to you who believe, He Himself is precious!

Not only His house - for it is quite possible to like a person's house exceedingly, and yet have no particular love for the owner of the house.

Not only His book - for how many there are who value a man's gifts, while they despise him in their heart.

But He Himself, apart from all that He gives, will be your heart's dearest love.

"My God, I love you; not because
I hope for Heaven thereby,
Nor because those who love You not,
Must burn eternally.

Not with the hope of gaining anything,
Nor seeking a reward;
But as Yourself have loved me,
O ever-loving Lord.!

"Whom have I in Heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth!" (Psalm 73:25).

~Archibald Brown~