Growing Up in God’s Family

There was one door jamb wherever we lived that played a special role in the lives of our young kids. At key intervals they would stand with their back against it, a ruler was placed level on their head, and their height was recorded. All four of them were eager for their turn, all four strained their stature to its fullest. And all four wheeled around to see how much the latest etching exceeded the last one. They wanted to grow. Each one of them. It was natural, exciting, expected.

The same should be true for each follower of Jesus. The health of our faith is seen in the growth of our spiritual stature. The Apostle Paul writes this in a letter to young believers:

²⁸ He [Jesus] is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom,so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Col 1:28-29)

Becoming fully mature in Christ is the growth goal for every believer. Here are three key things that are part of growing up in our faith.

1. We become whole.  Through Jesus we are forgiven of our waywardness and reconciled to God. The grace we have received enables us to bear with others, to forgive other, to mend broken relationships and to see our self-identity centred in God’s love.
2. We become holy. As we orientate our lives toward Jesus we begin to reflect his glory, grace and goodness in our lives. Our character and conduct become more like Jesus.
3. We become wholly committed to God’s way. We become full of the knowledge of God’s will. This heart knowledge directs our lives, gives us a new capacity to discern truth and a genuine desire to prioritize God’s way above our own.

As you consider your spiritual stature, where are you growing? What kind of things are impeding your growth.

See Sermon here.