Yes, God wants us to grow up.
Our Father in heaven has an objective in mind. That those of us who trust in him will become more like his Son, Jesus. So many “christians” grow older but never grow up.
Spiritual growth is not a given. It takes intentional effort.
We must want to grow, decide to grow, make the effort to grow and persist in growing. Discipleship – the process of becoming more like Jesus – always begins with a decision. That’s all we need to get started, decide to become a disciple. We become whatever we are committed to.
Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort. There’s God’s part and our part. God’s spirit works with us, not just in us. We can’t work for our salvation, because there is nothing we can do to add to what Jesus has already done. We can work out our salvation. The “working out” is our responsibility and the “working in” is God’s.
Change your thinking, change your life.
Every behaviour is motivated by a belief. The first step in spiritual growth is to honestly assess our thinking, to switch off from autopilot and then realign toward what is the truth. Change always happens first in our minds. Feelings are the product of our thoughts and feelings impact the way we behave. If we want to change the way we behave then begin at the root cause – our thinking.
Our spiritual maturity is not purely defined by our scriptural knowledge and doctrinal awareness. To follow Jesus is more than just filling our head with information. Understanding is one component of maturing but it’s not the whole story.
“The Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions, it included conduct and character.”
Rick Warren
To realign our thinking from being self centred to being Christ centred and then onto elevating the interest of others above our own is what being a disciple is all about.
Summary:
Remember – Start growing now.
Key Bible Verse – “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” Romans 12:2 TPT
Pray – Lord, I offer you my thoughts, I turn my gaze toward Jesus and ask that by your Holy Spirit, I be transformed from the inside out.
Much Love
Bevan
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