The Brown Trout

Hi,
 
Fishing in the Mountains of Western North Carolina recently, I caught a very small Brown Trout.  Holding that little fellow in my hand, I was amazed at his beauty; for he was perfect.  His colors and his form were flawless.  We have caught more mature Brown Trout, from eight inches, to twelve inches, or eighteen inches, but they are no more perfect than this very small one.  He does not need to grow to become more of a Brown Trout. 
 
When a Christian's heart is cleansed from his old nature, his self-centered nature;  the heart is made pure, and his heart is made perfect in it's motives and intentions.  This is the result of the Holy Spirit's work on that totally surrendered heart;  with the work being completed in a moment, for it is not due to the Christian's growth over any period of time.  All the growing in a Christian's life, will not make the heart, his motives nor his intentions, any more pure or clean.
 
Maturing as a Christian is a different matter.  It will certainly improve the outward life, our life of duty to the Lord and others; in other words the executing of our responsibilities in the Kingdom of God.  As the little Brown Trout matures, he will grow in knowledge and wisdom, and next year I may not be able to catch him.
 
Notice the order of things, as Paul explains to Titus Christ's work in this. "Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."  Titus 2:14  He redeems us, purifies us, and good works follow.
 
We pray that the Lord bless you today, and we hope you always know you are loved!!!

Henry