Grow Up

Philippians 3:15-16 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
 
ARE you mature? Perhaps that question caused you to think of how you’ve changed from your childhood to now. Did you, too, think of your relationship with Jesus?
    What would it look like to be mature, to have a mind in Jesus’ teachings? One aspect of a mature faith is the joy that infuses Paul’s writings throughout Philippians. Everywhere you look in this letter, Paul linked a joyful maturity to his faith in Jesus. He celebrated his salvation. He rejoiced in the Philippi church caring for him. Paul rejoiced in his imprisonment. He demonstrated the mind-changing power of the gospel as he matured to truly know deep in his heart, mind and soul, “Jesus saves.”
    Yes, Jesus saves. You hear that often, don’t you? But have you grown up in that truth? Have you changed from when you first heard of Jesus? Are you mature to believe he’ll save you from sin and Hell? If so, rejoice!
    Are you mature to believe obeying His commands will make your life better? As you mature in Jesus’ gospel, you will find joy amid even the hardest circumstances. Maturity in Christ is a confidence that Jesus is who He says He is. A mature faith knows Jesus will do what He says He will do.
    You haven’t returned to your youth, have you? Why would you hold on to the days of being young in knowing Jesus? As you mature in Jesus, grow in faith. Hold on to your faith. Know Jesus. Believe Him. Rejoice in Him.
 
Joy Link: Grow up steadily in Jesus.