Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:7-32
God created many amazing creatures! Each one of them is unique. Each looks different. Each has specific needs for survival. Each grows at a different rate. Some insects are born, grow to adulthood, and die in only a few hours. Other animals can live for 200 or even 400 years.
Humans fall somewhere in between. Physically, a human takes about 18 years to mature from infant to adult.
Spiritual maturity, like physical maturity take time. The fruit of the Spirit & other godly values take time to develop and grow and mature.
Oftentimes, we Christians become impatient. We become frustrated at how long it seems to take for us to grow to spiritual maturity and become like Jesus.
We need to remind ourselves not to be in a hurry.
If we are faithful to spend time with God everyday by reading our Bibles, praying, and memorizing scripture, we will grow.
If we are consistent in attending church, telling people about Jesus, and reaching out to those in need, we will grow.
If we continually trust our Heavenly Father who sent Jesus “to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (verses 12 & 13), we will grow.
If we allow God to work in us according to His “will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13), we will grow.
In time, we will become spiritually mature. We will become like Jesus.
I encourage you, be patient. Be faithful. If you are, you will become spiritually mature. You will become like Jesus.
“Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.” Hebrews 6:1
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be patient and remain faithful as You bring me to spiritual maturity and make me like Jesus. Amen.