GROWING UP

I remember as a little kid, not wanting to grow up.    Why?  It seemed like little kids always had the most fun!  When it was time for Christmas, I didn't have to deal with the hustle and bustle of shopping in crowded stores, driving on crowded streets, counting my pennies to make ends meet  -- I just tore open the presents and made a mess!  Grown ups seemed to have so many problems and responsibilities like working a job, paying the bills, mowing the lawn and washing dishes.  Why would I want to grow up?  What I did not understand, is that there is so much joy and satisfaction in fulfilling your dreams in adulthood.  Once I grasped that concept, I never wanted to be a child again!

​Just as it is God's plan for us to grow naturally and find the joy in adulthood, it is also and even more so, His plan for us to grow up spiritually.  The joy and deep satisfaction in fulfilling the call of God far surpasses any childhood game.  There comes a point in our walk with Christ when we should no longer talk and act like a child.   Instead of feeling needy all of the time, we grow strong and confident and become the one who is nurturing others.  ​"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me."  I Corinthians 13:11, NIV

Now, don't get me wrong,  we are always in need of His nurture and strength!  We cannot accomplish all of the will of God in our adult spiritual life without have a relationship with the One who gives us the grace to accomplish it.   The Bible tells us that as we submit to the Word of God and the Lord's righteousness (His right way of doing things) we will grow up into Christ.  He has given His ministers as gifts to the body of Christ for the purpose of perfecting our character for His glory.  His nature will dominate our words and actions.  Where we lack self-control, in Him we gain self-control.  We become grounded in our faith and strong in the Lord!

​"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:,"  Ephesians 4:11-15.

​Let this be our prayer today: "Lord I desire to grow up into Christ because that is Your perfect will for my life.  I turn my heart towards You and Your Word today.  I will put away childish things and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me.  I will listen to the ministers you have placed over me in the Lord and allow myself to grow up into Christ! "