We may be tempted to believe that were circumstances different, we would be able to manifest greater Christlikeness. If only we could read such and such book or obtain the friendship of a notable saint, we could soar to heights unknown. If only we could live on the mission field, or have more free time. When our job or school work isn't so demanding, then we will really be able to press on to know the Lord. He's always somewhere else, isn't He?
This thinking betrays a fundamental error. Growth in grace does not depend on whether we have read all of the Puritans, or whether John Piper knows our name. Advancing in holiness does not depend on geographical location, nor a place of employment. The answer to our present need is a Person.
Christ transcends all of these things. You will not have greater access to Him merely by reading more books, knowing greater saints, or moving to the mission field. In Christ, at this very moment, you have everything you need pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). George Bowen said it this way:
Christians are to bring forth much fruit, not because of peculiar incidental advantages enjoyed by them, not by the favor of circumstances, not in consequence of their social position or their wealth or their intellectual endowments, but because they are united to Christ. The virtue is in Him, and it freely flows to those who are united to Him. He is the source and origin of fruitfulness. All fruit is from Him, and it reveals itself in connection with His people just so far as they abide in Him.
Love Revealed
