My hope and prayer for all of you, and for myself, is that we will grow spiritually in the new year. I pray that you will pursue spiritual growth with renewed focus and vigor, resulting in a rich, intimate communion with the Lord. Spiritual growth is something that must be pursued—it doesn’t just happen on its own. I want to encourage you to pursue an intentional program of growth in the year ahead.
What might this look like? First of all, we need to dedicate ourselves to being in the word of God. Reading the Bible is not just reading any other book; it is actively taking in words of life that flow from the very mouth of God. The word of God will change us! It will transform us from the inside out, if we will allow it. The word of God will bring light to our path and life to our souls. I encourage you to begin (or begin again) a plan of reading and reflecting upon the word of God in your daily life in 2025.
Second, I encourage you to heed the words of the apostle Peter, who showed us how to grow. “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence…” (2 Peter 1:5a NASB95) With this statement Peter begins what is sometimes called the ladder of spiritual growth. It is a list of qualities all Christians should pursue. Each quality builds on the previous one and leads us to growth. But notice where the process begins. It all starts with making every effort to supply moral excellence. What is moral excellence? It is an uncommon, excellent, virtuous character. Moral excellence is doing what is right and good in every situation. It is choosing to do what is right even in the “little things.” It is choosing to do what is right even when no one is watching. If we commit ourselves to moral excellence, we will grow, but if we don’t, growth will be stopped in its tracks. I encourage you to decide that in 2025 you will pursue what is excellent with all your heart.
Think of where the Lord will take us in the new year if we will seek Him and stay near to Him! The future is very bright, no matter what challenges lie ahead. May God grant that each of us will grow in our faith in 2025.
—Scott Colvin
Posted by Scott Colvin 
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