Christian growth comes not from doing but seeing. And if doing is involved, it is doing in order to see. What’s essential is seeing. Doing comes only as a result. But if seeing is not there, then doing will eventually stop.

We think we grow as Christians when we DO things – such as read the Bible, pray, go to church, go on mission trips. But in all this, if we do not SEE Christ for who He is and what He has done, then it will not lead to growth. We will eventually stop the doing. Or if we keep doing them, then it’s done pharisaically.

How do you get your kid to practice his basketball skills? If you simply tell him to DO, then he may practice for a while, but he will eventually get bored and stop. However, if you let him SEE what he can be when he practices (such as taking him to an NBA game), then he will keep doing it.

So is our relationship with Christ. If we are to grow in Christ, it cannot be simply us doing things. We must see Him, love Him, desire Him, and that will keep us doing things for Him.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” 2 Cor. 3:18

How do we grow and become like Christ? By beholding, or by seeing Him. And how do we see Him? In His word! “Faith comes from hearing and hearing is through the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17)

It is this vision of Christ – beautiful, righteous, precious, gracious, hope-giving – that will keep us coming back for more. Without this, we will eventually fall away.

So, in your Bible-reading, strive to see Christ. Ask Him to open your spiritual eyes.  

Finally, pray for us, the Thailand Mission Team. We are leaving tomorrow morning. I’ll try to update you as much as I can…

PH