To grow in our relationship with God, we need to maintain a constant connection with Him, as we cannot mature spiritually apart from His power. Once we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are immediately saved from our sins. We are completely forgiven of our past sins and we have been granted a new life, called being Born Again. It is a new life that is no longer ruled by sin, but the Spirit of God now rules it. It does not mean that we become perfect and no longer sinning, but it means that we can now say no to sin. We have a choice now to not give in to the sinful ways of this world. We are not the same people as those who do not believe in our Lord Jesus. The moment we become born again and are raised in the new life in our Lord Jesus, we begin a new spiritual journey with God. A journey that requires us to grow spiritually. As we grow or mature in our spiritual walk with God, our attitudes and behaviors become godlier. For example, we do not say bad words as we used to do. We are becoming less angrier than before. We show more kindness towards others. In other words, we are growing more and more in living a life that is pleasing to God.
However, to grow spiritually, we must completely rely on God's power that is at work in us. John 15:5 says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Jesus is our vine, the source of our physical and spiritual food. He is the one who strengthens our faith. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we rely on God for our spiritual maturity, we grow in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We cannot grow in our relationship with God if we are not connecting with God daily. Sunday's encounter with God is not enough for our spiritual growth. We need to walk with our Lord Jesus daily by constantly relying on Him.
Our God is the source of our physical and spiritual needs. We can only be saved by completely trusting in our Lord Jesus, and we can only mature spiritually by relying on God's spiritual provision in His Word.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What can I do to mature spiritually? Why is it important to rely on God daily? What are the things that I can do or change today to rely on God every day?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, please help me mature spiritually. Please continue to change my heart and renew my mind so that I bear spiritual fruit. Forgive me if I haven't spent time with you as I should every day. Thank you that you are always at work in my life, changing me to become the person you want me to be. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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