Meditation on the
As we are transformed by God’s love through His word, His Spirit and one-another relationships toward maturity in Christ
Question: In what areas of your life do you need
to grow?
While it is an incredible experience to be born again, our baptism is only the beginning. God wants us to grow! We may all find ourselves at different points spiritually, but we must all be in the ongoing process of transformation -- moving onward and upward. Think about areas of your spiritual life where you are weak or stagnant -- your love, your faith, your prayer life, or perhaps your Bible knowledge. These are the areas where you need to grow! Pray that God will convict and encourage your heart to begin growing in your areas of sin and immaturity.
Scriptures: Col. 1:28-29, Eph. 4:11-16, Gal. 4:19
Question: What is the ultimate goal of our spiritual growth?
It’s not enough for us to be changing – we need to be headed in the right direction! All our efforts to help our brothers and sisters must be focused on God’s ultimate goal of bringing each of us to maturity in Christ. Our Father wants every one of his children to grow in his or her capacity to feel, think and act like His Son Jesus. Take time today to think about the spiritual needs of yourself, your family, and your fellow-disciples. Are you (and they) becoming more like Christ? What can you do this week to help them focus on the specific areas where they need to be more like Jesus?
Scriptures: Gal. 5:13-14, I Thes.
4:9-10, I John 4:7-21
Question: Why do you want to grow and help others to grow?
The church should never look at itself as just a system, organization or institution. God’s word says we are a family! And the lifeblood of any family is love. The things we do to bring ourselves (and others) to maturity must be motivated by a heartfelt love for Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Think about all the ways you will be actively involved with the church this week. In everything you do – from singing to praying to fellowshipping – keep in mind the love that motivates it all. Ask God to keep love at the heart of all you do to grow and serve others.
Question:
Are you using the scriptures to
empower your growth?
None of us can change our lives, or anything else, by mere human effort. We need the power of God! Scripture teaches us that it was the power of the word of God that created the universe, healed the sick and raised the dead. We need to read, hear and obey the scriptures to tap into the true power of transformation! How are you doing in your dedication to regular Bible study? Are you using the word to help others in your family and in the church? Decide to use scripture more to help yourself and others to grow.
Question: Are you allowing God’s Spirit to
transform your life?
One of the greatest privileges of the Christian life is receiving God’s Spirit to live in our hearts. When we are born again in baptism, we receive the indwelling of God’s transforming presence. The Spirit marks us as children of God, empowers us to over-come the flesh, and enables us to grow up into the image of Christ. By the Spirit we are given the abilities by which we are to serve God and His church. Take time today to thank God for the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to lead, strengthen and use you this week.
Question: Do you have life-changing
relationships?
Despite all our human failings and weaknesses, the Bible continually tells us that we need each other’s help to get to heaven. While our personal relationship with our Father is central, God’s plan for growth also includes a healthy dose of “one-another” love! We are to serve, teach, encourage, love, rebuke and pray for each other. How are you doing in these areas? Do you have strong and growing relationships in the church? Are you allowing others to help you grow and change? Are you actively involved in discipling your brothers and sisters toward maturity in Christ?
Question: Have you set your heart on growing up
to maturity?
Even though all of us should always be growing in the Lord, God’s plan is for us eventually to arrive at a level of Christian maturity. He does not intend for us to stay immature forever. The kingdom needs all of us to become strong, healthy and wise so that we can glorify Him and serve His people. Mature Christians have gained wisdom. They are not blown around by every emotional or doctrinal wind. They have been trained. They have developed their gifts for service and leadership. Are you becoming mature in Christ? Are you actively using your maturity to help the church?