"This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13 CEV).
Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life as God helps you make healing choices.
The Apostle Paul said, "This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13 CEV).
As you struggle with your hurts, habits, and hang-ups, it is important to remember you are a work in progress. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; he knows you will make mistakes. The Bible says we won't be perfectly like Jesus until we’re able to see Jesus perfectly: "We can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is" (1 John 3:2 NLT).
A simple truth to remember is that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on a specific issue, but what God cares about most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Colossians 3:17, 23).
In other words, God is interested in who you are. For instance, he's much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
The Bible warns, "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out . . . Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you" (Romans 12:2 MSG).
Becoming like Jesus means we must make choices that are countercultural. These kinds of healing choices will protect us from other forces trying to mold us into their image.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could simply live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: he wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven.
Peace be with you all, in our Lord Jesus’name.
Someone asked: Why is it that our God allows evil to have a say in this world? Why is it that we often have people beside us or within our community or neighbor or officemate or just someone that tends to ruin our seemingly beautiful day??
ANSWER: GOD is building our character. As the meditation says: our God is more interested in who we are and who we’ll become. Is it a test? In a way, yes. A test for us to know how strong and capable we are. Remember that when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit has dwelt in you. And because of this, the fruit of the Spirit will flow out of your character. Not in an instant, but gradually as you become closer to Him, our Lord Jesus, we become more like Him.
In Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
This is the outcome of having the Holy Spirit within us. So, let us always be reminded that once we proclaimed Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we have the Spirit within us. This helps us develop our character according to what God wants us to be.
Don’t allow the enemy to win by succumbing to the temptation of getting back at him. That enemy is laughing his heart out if you do. Don’t allow the enemy to take away the joy you have in Christ and Christ’s joy in you. Don’t allow the evil things of this world rob the joy that Christ have in us.
And if still you’re finding it hard to “control” yourself…then always meditate on:
Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable (to that person)- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think of such things. J
Just think about it. If you think positively it will also flow out of you positively. Think of the positive things that person has in his/her character and all the bad things about that person or situation will disappear, replaced by the love our God has for us. If our God can erase our sins and decided not to make records of it all, who are we then not to forgive? Who are we then to think ill of your brother/sister?
So be on guard of your reactions, feelings, etc. It may be hard, yes, that is why we must immerse ourselves daily, every minute of our lives, with the Word of God. For we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Believe that He who is in you is greater than he who is in this world. Let us choose to become more like Jesus.
Glory to God!!!
