Spiritual Maturity
God's goal for every believer is that we become like Jesus. It doesn't happen over night, but it can happen. Our part is to trust Him, and He does the changing. We have to decide to do His will, then, He supplies the power. (Ephesians 4:11-13.
I think many believers fail to grow, because they do not think it is possible. They hear people say that we are all "just sinners saved by grace." They think that means we can never win the victory over sin. That is wrong, and it is the wrong way to think.
The other reason believers do not grow to be like Christ is that they put all of their effort into other things, but not spiritual disciplines. To grow we must do the right things over and over. With time and effort we develop the discipline through the power of the Holy Spirit. We change our beliefs and our actions. It is the only way to be happy in Jesus is to "trust and obey."
So, how are you doing? Can you look back over your Christian life and see growth? Are there things that can only be explained by the grace and power of God changing you? If not, there is a problem. A Christian is a new creation of God. (II Corinthians 5:17) God wants the whole world to see the differences and come to know Him. Also, that is where the joy of the Christian life comes from. If we stay locked in our old sins, there is only pain and frustration. God does not want that for any believer.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 1-2 and John 19:23-42.
I think many believers fail to grow, because they do not think it is possible. They hear people say that we are all "just sinners saved by grace." They think that means we can never win the victory over sin. That is wrong, and it is the wrong way to think.
The other reason believers do not grow to be like Christ is that they put all of their effort into other things, but not spiritual disciplines. To grow we must do the right things over and over. With time and effort we develop the discipline through the power of the Holy Spirit. We change our beliefs and our actions. It is the only way to be happy in Jesus is to "trust and obey."
So, how are you doing? Can you look back over your Christian life and see growth? Are there things that can only be explained by the grace and power of God changing you? If not, there is a problem. A Christian is a new creation of God. (II Corinthians 5:17) God wants the whole world to see the differences and come to know Him. Also, that is where the joy of the Christian life comes from. If we stay locked in our old sins, there is only pain and frustration. God does not want that for any believer.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezra 1-2 and John 19:23-42.