The Cumulative Effect

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;"
2 Thessalonians 1:3

I was 165 pounds when I finished high school, I’m still the same height today, but I’m substantially heavier. In 2006, twenty-five years after high school, I tipped the scales at a "husky" (I love that word) 242 pounds. What happened? Simply answered, it was the cumulative effect. Little by little, over weeks, months and years, I began increasing in size by successive additions of weight. Maybe it was too many tubs of ice cream, or multiple trips to the "all you can eat" Chinese restaurant. Who knows?

Have you observed a "cumulative effect" in your life spiritually? Are you "growing up" in the Lord? Are you getting stronger? We all know that others notice the "cumulative effect". Others will notice your spiritual growth and you will see a change as well. You can continue your growth by being in church as often as possible, reading and memorizing your Bible regularly, and praying. 2 Peter 3:18 commands, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Study the Word, put time and effort into knowing God through His Word.

Imagine if you had read the Bible through once a year since the year you were saved. How about if you had read Proverbs through once a month for several years? Can you imagine the cumulative effect that would have? Maybe it’s time to start "working out" spiritually. The results will show.

Kirk Piccott