"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

There ought to be a progressive sanctification to Christ throughout our Christian lives. This year we ought to be, in a practical sense, more fully Christ's than we were last year. Do not imagine that you have attained the summit of Christianity because you are saved and have conscious peace with God. If you do that, you make rest and peace and blessing for yourself the purpose of salvation. Thinking this way, many sink into loose and easy living.

Frankly, the worst evil of our day among Christians is the lukewarmness which speaks loudly of the blessings of grace while the conscience is unexercised as to its responsibilities. Of what worth is the piety which sits down, content with salvation, not wishing to be disturbed or unsettled by the claims of God?

Let me ask you some questions. If you call yourself a Christian, are you Christ's in the sense of being surrendered to Him in full, joyful service for Him? Do you live to Him with every pulse of that new life He has given you? Is your eye then on Him, your ear waiting upon His voice, your hand engaged for Him, your foot treading where He directs? You will not grow in grace until such is the purpose of your heart.

Our measure of growth is the extent to which "for to me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21) and to which I walk "even as He walked" (1 John 2:6). His life was characterized by perfect holiness. If we are occupied with Christ, our lives will be holy, for it is impossible to be occupied with Christ and not be holy. Occupation with Him is the essential requisite for holiness and growth.

—F.W. Grant