Today : Maturity
TODAY’S VERSE
“Until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NLT)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As a Christian, maturity is something to be aspired. It is not an automatic by-product of salvation. Jesus brings us salvation and we are “born again”. We become a new creature in Christ, but this is the beginning. Now we are committed to a maturing process. As children we are to mature into adulthood. As Christians, we are to grow into Christ. This is why Paul says that God has given us, “apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.” He writes, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” As we subject ourselves to the teaching and authority to those that Christ has given to us, we will mature in the Lord. Christ has come to give us life and give it more abundantly. This means He has come to help us mature. Where are you in your maturity? Have you missed a stage in your human development and need to mature in that area? Are you immature when it comes to certain emotions like anger, sadness, longing or fear? Does God need to do a work in your life? Ask Him to show you where you need to mature. Ask Him to guide you and help you be all that He intends you to be.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, point out my immaturities. I want to grow in You. I want to be all that You want me to be. So please, show me where I need to grow and mature and then show me how. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN
TODAY’S MEDITATION & VISUALIZATION
I am maturing in Christ
Picture yourself in the presence of Christ. You sense that He knows all about you. He knows your shortcomings but instead of fear or dread, you experience a caring connection with Him. You can tell from His demeanor that He loves you and wants you to mature. Instead of shame or chastisement, He bids you to come to Him, follow Him and allow Him guide you into maturity. You say, “Yes Lord!” and affirm, “I am maturing in Christ.”