I am back at work after being out for 3 days and I am playing “catch-up”.  I have a lot of email to read and some other tasks that stacked up while I was out of the office for an insurance seminar.  The seminar helps me to stay current on certain insurance related topics and allows me to receive credit for continuing education.  This is necessary for me to maintain my claims license.  I have to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to meet the requirements of the state of Texas.

Sometimes the information is more interesting at certain seminars than it is at others.  This year the classes seemed to drag on over the three day period.  I was glad when it was finally over.  But I know that it helps me to meet a requirement and the information helps me perform better in the tasks that are a part of my job.

As Christians we also have continuing education requirements.  The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:18 that we are to:

“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18

After we learn about the mercy and forgiveness of Christ and become Christians, we should not stop learning.  Our Lord has an expectation of us that we will grow in grace and knowledge.  We must become students of God’s word, God’s will and God’s way.  If we fail to grow in grace and knowledge we will be carried away by false doctrine and led astray by people who seek to serve themselves rather than serve the Lord.  If we fail to grow in grace and knowledge we will never overcome some of the bothersome habits of the flesh which hold us back and keep us from experiencing God’s best for us in this life.  If we fail to grow in grace and knowledge we will miss out on being able to share about God’s love and His Kingdom as capably as we would otherwise be able.  We just won’t do as well on some of the tasks that God has for us.

I pray that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ this week.  I pray that I will grow too!  Until next time, stay strong in the faith.

If you would like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ feel free to email me directly at pastorpstephens@aol.com