Hey friend, let’s talk! Has this been a year of increase?
I’m not talking about waist expansion or growing fears, although that may be true of you. Have your sorrow’s increased as your liberties have diminished? Do troubles abound and insecurities overwhelm? There is information overloaded each day or information seemingly overlooked. Stop! Just stop!
I could go on and on, increasing the dialogue of despair. But friend, let’s not go down that road any longer. Instead, let us determine what the Christian should increase in.
John 3:30 says, “He must increase. I must decrease”.
John the baptist declared that the person and work of Jesus Christ was more important in every way than himself. Jesus was from above and is above all. He says that twice in one verse! Why? Because God loves the Son (v. 35) and has given all things into His hand.
What am I saying? That nothing in life or this world is more important than the Lord Jesus. All those things we concern ourselves with are in His hands. We can trust Him. So, let’s give Him the greater place, the increase in our lives.
Colossians gives us the problem and the solution in one verse of scripture.
“and not holding fast to the Head (Jesus Christ), from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God” Colossians 2:19.
You and I, as believers, the church, are to be growing and increasing; both individually and corporately. I am not talking growth in numbers. But know that, if I were, 1 Corinthians 3:6 says it is God who gives the increase! I can’t make the church grow but I can personally grow as I trust God and His Word. We only stunt our growth when we do not allow our spiritual Head to be in control. And by the way, a body has no life without its head. Sadly, there are many churches who follow mans lead instead of Christs!
What should we increase in?
In faith – 2 Thessalonians1:3 “…your faith grows exceedingly…in all you persecutions and tribulations that you endure…”.
In love – 1 Thessalonians 3:12 “…may the Lord make you increase and abound in love toward one another”.
In fruits of righteousness – 2 Corinthians 9:10 “now may He who supplies seed…increase the fruits of your righteousness,..”.
Pay attention now as Paul urges us in how we should live and grow.
“but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ” Ephesians 4:15.
Notice as well that “brotherly love” was taught by God as something that needed to be continually practiced. It was a living love, daily practiced. In doing so it was a clear and ongoing testimony to a lost and dying world. It was also a strong deterrent to walk away from the increase of discontent.
“But we urge you, brethren,
that you increase more and more; (in love -v9)
that you also aspire to lead a quiet life,
to mind your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
that you may walk properly toward those who are outside,
and that you may lack nothing” 1Thess 4:10-12
So my friend – Hakuna Matata – no worries! Give it to God. Increase in faith, love and the fruits of righteousness and let the Lord carry the load. He can and will!