“More and more” seems to be a phrase that Paul liked to use. It could be used in the context of good and it could also be used in the context of evil. It conveyed that idea of the good or evil continually increasing. More often than not, though, he used it in the context of our own dedication to the way of righteousness. He used this phrase several times in writing to the Thessalonians.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:1 he said, “as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” There is a recognition that they are already walking in a way pleasing to God, but that they should endeavor to go farther down that path as each day goes by. They were being told to grow.
Growth is important. When we stop growing spiritually, then we become flat. I have always thought of spiritual growth as an uphill climb. When you stop, it is not only harder to get going again, but it also presents temptation to turn back. We are going to face obstacles to our spiritual walk. Satan and the world who follows him will see to it.
Jesus stated in explaining the parable of the sower, “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22) Obstacles are the thorns. The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches chokes out the spiritual concerns. The word is unfruitful when one turns back instead of finding a way to keep up the “more and more.”
After telling the Thessalonians to do so “more and more” he writes again and in 2 Thessalonians 1:3 says, “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” Apparently, they listened! They were growing!
Growth is sometimes difficult, but it is always needful. Let us search the word of God for guidance on walking the path of righteousness and then “do so more and more.”
