Grow in Christlike Maturity

Paul taught the early church about the role of the five fold ministry. “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). This is so that we can grow and mature in the things of God. Spiritual growth ensures that we are not caught up in every contrary wind of doctrine and easily led astray by deception. We have to study and understand the word so that we can discern the heart of God. We cannot allow the Devil to gain the advantage over us by being ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).

Although we are many members, we are one body in Christ Jesus and each member, needs the other parts of the body to grow. We need the gifts of the other members within the body of Christ to help us. For example, we need preachers and teachers to expound the word of knowledge so that we can understand and interpret the word. We need gifted singers and musicians to minister praise and thanksgiving to God. Anointed singers are skilled at leading the church into intimate places of worship and anointed music is transformational.

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). We should desire the gifts of the spirit and spend time in the presence of God to understand what we are called to do. Our gifts and talents will make room for us to express our God given assignment. There are too many people occupying positions that they have not been called to fill. Plants grow when they are planted in soil that is appropriate for their anatomy. Your environment and those who you are surrounded by have a direct impact on your growth and maturity.

Sometimes it feels more comfortable to be around people who are just like us or who make us feel comfortable and familiar. Similarities are often important and there are times when it helps to be relatable. We have to also allow God to choose the people that will help us to grow and mature in him. We ask God to choose our friends and associates and help us to determine the environment that is appropriate for us to grow. Growth and maturity are an intentional process which takes commitment, discipline and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions.

A.P.-Y.