Maturing as a Christian

Although we are at different places in our walk of faith, all Christians should be growing and maturing. We may do so at varying rates, but we should still be moving forward. When I taught school, students were expected to make a year's growth each school year, and this was factored into the achievement test scores. If a student didn't make the expected growth, they regressed. If Christians stand still, they aren't showing a commitment to Christ or a surrendering to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

If you don't mature as a Christian, it is easy to be led astray. Satan will try his best to see that this happens. But if you stay true to your faith, he is simple to defeat. In fact, Christ has already defeated him on the cross on your behalf. All you need to do is claim that victory and stand strong in the strength of the Holy Spirit within you. Keep your focus on the Lord, and He will direct your path.

There are several things you can do to strengthen yourself and mature in faith. Here are four:

1. Admit when you're wrong, when you mess up. Repent and learn from your mistakes. On a positive note, failures will help keep you humble and keep you from harshly judging others.

2. Study and apply the Word of God. Carve out however much time you can give to this daily, whether it's ten minutes or two or three hours. It's an essential, valuable part of a successful Christian life.

3. Set aside time each day for a formal prayer but then pray all during the day as needs arise, you see others requiring help, and to thank God for blessings sent your way.

4. Depend on the Holy Spirit. He will lead, guide, direct, and teach you. He will be your strength.

A mature Christian life is not a destination, a place you arrive at. It is a journey all Christians take. We won't get to full maturity this lifetime, but we'd like to get as far along the road as possible. The more we mature, the better life gets, the more satisfaction we find from our faith, and the more joy we find in the Lord. Let the journey continue.

_______________________