We’ve talked the last couple of days about learning to recognize the devil’s schemes and testing what is said with God’s Word. One of the best ways to combat the enemy is to become mature in Christ. “We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ.” (Eph. 4:14-15) If we belong to Jesus, our lives shouldn’t be characterized by instability or immaturity. Our lives should be on a continual path of growth until that day God causes us to look like Jesus.

To become mature in Christ, we need to know first where we should seek counsel. We have Jesus Himself to be our counselor (Is. 9:6). We also have the Holy Spirit to guide, teach and counsel us (John 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:13).  We must learn to go to the greatest Counselor there is, the One who will never fail us or leave us (Matt 28:20).

We mature in Christ through faithful, consistent time spent in God’s Word and in prayer. Scripture tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). We can’t mature in Christ until we really know Him and have a relationship with Him. That can only come from spending time with Him and being still before Him, awaiting His answers.

He knows us best, and His way is always the best way. So we must humbly stand in His presence, knowing by faith that His way is the best way. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.” (Ps. 1:1-2)

Much like a seedling doesn’t grow into a healthy plant and produce fruit overnight, we also don’t mature in Christ overnight. It takes time. But we are promised that if we “are planted in the house of the Lord; [we will] flourish in the courts of our God.” (Ps. 92:13)  If you find yourself in a dormant phase, it’s time to spend the time necessary with the Lord so that He can grow us into the mature Christians He wants us to be so that He is glorified!

Sources:

  • Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
  • Reflecting God by Kay Smith