Ephesians 4:15

Many Christians remain stunted and dwarfed in spiritual things, so that they present the same appearance year after year. No up-springing of advanced and refined feeling is manifest in them. They exist but do not grow up into him in 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 that is to be found in him.

It should not be so; as good traders in heaven’s market, we should earnestly desire to be enriched in the knowledge of Jesus. It is all very well to tend to other people’s vineyards, but we must not neglect our own spiritual growth and ripening. Why should it always be wintertime in our hearts?

We must have our seedtime, it is true, but oh for a springtime—indeed, a summer season that will give promise of an early harvest! If we are to ripen in grace, we must live near to Jesus—in his presence—ripened by the sunshine of his smiles. We must hold sweet communion with him.

We must leave the distant view of his face and come near, as John did, and rest our head on his breast. Then we will find ourselves advancing in holiness, in love, in faith, in hope—indeed, in every precious gift.

The sun rises first on mountaintops, gilding them with its light and presenting one of the most charming sights to the traveller’s eye.

Similarly, it is one of the most delightful contemplations in the world to observe the glow of the Spirit’s light on the head of some saint who has risen in spiritual stature, like Saul, above his fellows.

Such a saint, like a mighty, snow-capped Alp, is first among the chosen to reflect the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. He bears the gleam of his radiance high aloft for all to see and, upon seeing it, to glorify his Father which is in heaven.