“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”–John 10:10

To have abundant life, we must use the life we have. If the child would have his puny arm grow into strength—he must exercise it. The smith wields his hammer—and his muscles become like bands of iron. If you would have your brain develop into mental strength—you must use it. It is so of every faculty and function of the life. If you would have your power of sympathy grow, until you are able to be a true helper and comforter of others—you must find expression for your sympathy. If you would become a true helper—begin in little ways. Every outgoing of love in true service—makes our love itself more abundant.

Begin with the little life you have, accept every opportunity to use it—and by and by you will reach a capacity for helpfulness and service which will amaze you. But sit down and do nothing, put forth no effort, and your little life will dry up and shrivel to a crisp. “If the stars did not move,” said Horace Bushnell, “they might rot in the sky!” The curse on thousands of Christian lives, is inactivity. Do not use your hand, and it will wither to death. The same is true of all physical, mental, and moral powers; unused they will die. If you would have abundant life, use every particle of the life you have, and it will develop until it reaches fullness of power.(J.R.Miller)

“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.“–Proverbs 12:19

A man went fishing one day without catching a single fish. So, he packed up his gear, went to the market, and picked out three fat fish to take home to his family. As the store manager was about to wrap up the purchase, the man asked him, “Before you wrap them, could you toss them to me, one by one? That way, I can truthfully tell my wife I caught them!”

When it comes to telling the truth, many people like to scoot by on technicalities, half-truths, and word games in order to hide the real facts. They value their reputation over their integrity and do whatever it takes to make sure people think highly of them.

But when we look at the Scriptures, we find that way of thinking is a recipe for disaster. Take King Saul, for example, who directly disobeyed God’s orders in 1 Samuel 15. When he was confronted about it, he continued down his path of lies for no other reason than to preserve his reputation while slowly destroying his integrity.

The old adage is true: Honesty is the best policy. When you live a life of truth, you’ll not only please the Lord; you’ll keep a clear conscience. So be truthful in all you do and maintain a life of honesty and integrity.

Ask God to help you be truthful in all your dealings with others and to value your integrity over your reputation.(Senior Living)

When you do as you please without regard for what God wants you are saying, “I don’t care who I hurt”. Some have even come right out and said it–“I don’t care who it hurts I’m going to do what I want!”. How sad to think that they think so little of God. Yet it happens everyday. When you disobey God’s commands,despise  God’s instructions, and disregard warnings, and disrespect God’s promises, you not only hurt yourself, you hurt the One who loves you most.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Never rest satisfied with present attainments. God has much to bestow, and we are capable of receiving, enjoying, and using it to His glory. As the tree planted in a good soil grows both in the root and the branches, so should the Christian; he should be rooted in the love of God, and grow up in conformity to Jesus. If we grow in grace, we shall discover more of our own wretchedness, misery, and weakness; and more of the preciousness, fulness, and glory of Christ. We shall be humble before God, and active before men. We shall trust in Jesus more simply, having no confidence in the flesh. Grace always leads out of self to Jesus, and puts the crown of crowns upon His head. Grace is spiritual beauty; it is the very glory of God. To grow in grace is to grow like Jesus, meek and lowly in heart; active and devoted in life; blameless and harmless as the sons of God. Let us have grace, for God loves to bestow it; let us grow in grace, for God commands it; let us look forward for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the coming of Jesus, for God has promised it. Look for that blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of Jesus. (James Smith)

Though holy deeds and fruits of grace
Are in believers found,
‘Tis Christ’s command, that they increase
And more and more abound;
O Saviour, may I grow in grace,
Till I behold Thee face to face!