Spiritual growth (2)
Tuesday 27th November 2018
'When we grew up, we quit our childish ways.' 1 Corinthians 13:11 CEV
We all know people who appear to have it all together spiritually, who are always prepared to serve, have all the right words, are super connected to God, and are willing to pray for anyone. If we compare ourselves to them, it can make us feel 'less than' or not good enough. Comparison is dangerous, and totally unhealthy.
The truth is that we're all maturing spiritually, just at different rates. There are lots of things that may affect the speed we're maturing at. God may be taking us at a slower pace, or we may have to face things that mean we mature quicker. Maybe there are areas we need time to work through before advancing. The Bible says: 'When we were children, we...reasoned as children...But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways' (1 Corinthians 13:11 CEV). We start as a spiritual infant, then we become a spiritual child, then a spiritual adolescent, and eventually a spiritual adult. But we actually never 'arrive.' It's a journey, and we won't be fully spiritually mature until we reach Heaven. But God promises that, 'he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus' (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
So, let's stop comparing ourselves to others. Our spiritual journey is unique to us. Let's focus on what God wants to do in and through us, not through everyone else.
So what now? Next time you're feeling inadequate spiritually compared to someone else, remember Philippians 1:6 and thank God that he's always working in you.
Tuesday 27th November 2018
'When we grew up, we quit our childish ways.' 1 Corinthians 13:11 CEV
We all know people who appear to have it all together spiritually, who are always prepared to serve, have all the right words, are super connected to God, and are willing to pray for anyone. If we compare ourselves to them, it can make us feel 'less than' or not good enough. Comparison is dangerous, and totally unhealthy.
The truth is that we're all maturing spiritually, just at different rates. There are lots of things that may affect the speed we're maturing at. God may be taking us at a slower pace, or we may have to face things that mean we mature quicker. Maybe there are areas we need time to work through before advancing. The Bible says: 'When we were children, we...reasoned as children...But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways' (1 Corinthians 13:11 CEV). We start as a spiritual infant, then we become a spiritual child, then a spiritual adolescent, and eventually a spiritual adult. But we actually never 'arrive.' It's a journey, and we won't be fully spiritually mature until we reach Heaven. But God promises that, 'he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus' (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
So, let's stop comparing ourselves to others. Our spiritual journey is unique to us. Let's focus on what God wants to do in and through us, not through everyone else.
So what now? Next time you're feeling inadequate spiritually compared to someone else, remember Philippians 1:6 and thank God that he's always working in you.
