In order to stand firm against the devil’s schemes, we need maturity in Christ. Maturity in Christ gives us the peace to accept what is. Whatever is going on in our lives is happening for a reason. And we are to have the maturity, grace and peace to accept it and keep walking with Jesus. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Col. 2:6-7)

What helps us to grow in our maturity? Plants must have good soil, air, light and water if they are to survive and develop. Christians have those same needs, and we must be “rooted and built up in Him”. “They are planted in the house of the Lord; [we will] flourish in the courts of our God.” (Ps. 92:13) What better soil could we ask for than to be planted in the House of the Lord? When we’re firmly planted in the right soil, we can take root as we ought.

Spiritually speaking, air speaks of atmosphere. We are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6). Jesus is with us everywhere we go (Matt. 28:20). We are dwelling in His atmosphere, in His presence. When we become aware of His constant presence with us, it won’t matter our circumstances–we will feel Him with us. So we must watch what we let in to our thoughts. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil 4:8) Whatever seeds you allow to be sown in your mind are the seeds that will grow.

Light is important to our growth. What is our light? Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) We need to keep our eyes on Him–always looking to the light. Satan likes to put us in darkness where we can’t grow and we aren’t looking to our light. Don’t get caught in the dark places, thinking you can linger there long without feeling the effects. Stay in the light of Jesus.

Lastly, we need water, which is necessary to life. First, we need the cleansing of God’s Word: “to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Eph. 5:26). And Scripture tells us that Jesus offers us His living water, and it alone can satisfy our thirst. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) Thirst is a blessing if it causes you to run to Jesus. When your thirst for Him sends you to the Word or sends you to prayer, you can be confident the Holy Spirit will fill you up and satisfy that longing. And when we are a well-watered garden, it shows.

We need it all—good soil, air, light and water. If we have those things, we will most certainly grow. When we’re rooted in His love, strengthened by the knowledge of His constant presence, bathed in His light, and nourished by His living water, we can face whatever comes with an assurance that He’s working something out for our own good and growth. “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thess 3:16)

Sources:

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