"Grow up into him in all things" (Ephesians 4: 15).
Many Christians remain stunted and dwarfed in spiritual things. They exist but do not "grow up into him all things." But should we rest content with being in the green blade when we might advance to the ear and eventually ripen into the full corn in the ear? Should we be satisfied to believe in Christ and to say, "I am safe," without wishing to know in our own experience more of the fullness which is to be found in Him? It should not be so. We should, as good traders in heaven's market, covet to be enriched in the knowledge of Jesus. It is all very well to keep other men's vineyards, but we must not neglect our own spiritual growth and ripening. Why should it always be winter time in our hearts? We must have our seedtime, it is true; but, Oh, for a springtime and a summer season which will give promise of an early harvest! If we would ripen in grace, we must live near to Jesus. We must hold sweet communion with Him. We must come near, as John did, and pillow our head on His breast. Then we will find ourselves advancing in holiness, love, faith, and hope--in every precious gift. As the sun rises first on mountaintops and gilds them with its light, it is one of the most delightful contemplations in the world to notice the glow of the Spirit's light on the head of a saint who has risen up in spiritual stature.