Friday, October 6, 2017

Thursday, October 5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017
(Apologies for the late entry)


"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.  To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me." (‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:28,29)


Paul had connected clearly with his mission:  "to present everyone fully mature in Christ."  Going beyond merely making converts, Paul understood that the fullness of joy and freedom would come to a hurting world through full maturity in Christ.  This process carries out over our lifetimes, but we receive a positive and accelerating start through the training and instruction of others.

Christian maturity involves multiple parties:  God Himself, other believers, and us.  God clearly desires for us to grow into maturity, and we are richly blessed if we find others who are willing to invest in us.  We must, of course, be committed to our own growth.  In turn, we may invest in others' growth and receive the blessing of watching their growing maturity.

Being involved in a small group or Life Transformation Group is crucial to increasing spiritual maturity.  The refining fire of other believers — and the joy of fellowship — helps us to grow individually.  We also spur others one to love and good deeds.

We also may grow by studying God's Word individually and seeking our Father in prayer.  Spending time with God sharpens our character and brings us into deeper understanding of His will and purposes for our lives.

This maturity allows us to become more like Christ, being remade in God's image after sin had corrupted us.  We may experience greater victory and greater joy.  And we desire more and more to honor God above other priorities.

How would you like to grow between now and year-end?  What practical steps could you take?


Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the perfect atonement for our sins.  Thank You for giving us the fullness of life through Him.  Give us wisdom as we pursue a path of Christian maturity.  We seek to know You fully and to bring honor to Your Name.  Direct us as we invest in our spiritual growth and encourage others too.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

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