As we think about a commitment to Christ, the intentional decision to receive Christ is just the beginning. Continued spiritual growth and maturity is determined by the amount of spiritual care and prayer given on the behalf of the believer. Most of the books of the New Testament were letters of concern for young (immature) believers written by the apostle Paul for spiritual maturity.
In a real sense, believers are to follow up daily with their spiritual mentors for spiritual growth. This does not mean that your pastor or spiritual leader is to be at your every beckoned call, but one should go back and study the sermon or teaching that was released into your spirit for the word of God to become relevant. Your pastor is to energize you. Your personal time with God is to mature you. “The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything,” 2 Corinthians 2:9.
When Jesus Christ is the center of our lives, He provides the direction, wisdom, strength, and teaching we need. When we faithfully meet Him in prayer and Bible study, our priorities are rearranged. Our life is lived in balance. “We were not looking for praise from man, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We love you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us,” 1Thessalonais 2:6-8.
Consider these steps as you mature daily in Christ:
1) Pray daily. Ephesians 6:18 says: “Praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying.”
2) Stay in the word of God: “And how from the beginning you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy3:15.
3) Worship. “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to show love and do good works. Not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves as others have done, but exhorting one another and so much the more, as you see the day drawing near,” Hebrews 10:24-25.
4) Witness. Matthew 4:19 says: “Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 28:19-20 says: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
As we mature in Christ He will give us a set mind, chosen path, daily walk, and right priorities that will lead to a transformed life.
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