A precious 86 year-old woman told me God is teaching her lessons she should have learned years ago. Apparently, reaching maturity in Christ is a life-long process. We are all learning and changing. But some refuse to grow up and stay in a state of immaturity. "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ…" 1 Corinthians 3:1
Babies are adorable, so beautiful and precious, but they cannot take care of themselves. They need constant attention or they will die. Jesus is calling us to grow up. How do we grow up as believers and stop being immature spiritual babies? What does God require of us? He wants us to listen to Him and obey. He wants us to "Walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16
Being a Christian is not for the immature or faint of heart. We are called to be strong and courageous. I believe that to become spiritually mature there must be a radical commitment to God. There are so many around the world who are forsaking everything for Christ. Many are walking away from family, friends, and possessions to follow Christ. One young couple in India have become street people to escape persecution. How far are we willing to go to in our pursuit of God?
Jim Elliot was a missionary to the Auca Indians in Ecuador, South America. He once said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." He was martyred by the people he went to love and share the Gospel with. After his death his widow, Elisabeth Elliot, took their young daughter and went to live among the Auca. She went to share the love and forgiveness of God with the ones who murdered her husband. God gave her a heart of compassion and love. That was beyond anything humanly possible. She was motivated by the love of God. I pray God fills our hearts with His mercy and love.
Jesus said, if you love your life you will lose it. If you lose all for His sake you will find it. I have heard it said, "Just one life, and that will quickly pass. Only what's done for Christ will last." I pray that God will bring us to maturity so that all we are, say and do brings glory to Him.
We cannot do this on our own. Ask God to work in your heart and bring you to a place of maturity. I pray this brief message speaks to your heart. (I need this message!) Blessings, Beloved of God.