Maturity in Christ

Psalms 1: 1-3 AMP

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].”

The whole point of coming to Jesus is to be like Him and find the favor of God on our lives. We cannot buy salvation or try to be good enough to receive the favor of God, but what we can do is surrender completely to God and allow Him to wash over and cleanse our lives and make us His sons and daughters.

When we receive Jesus in our hearts and lives, He creates in us a separation from the childish ways of the world. He makes us strong and mature; He plants us by the streams of living water where His Spirit continues to cleanse us, strengthen us and make us more like Him.

As this maturity takes place and we put away childish things, He refreshes us, and we begin to bear fruit. Understand, a fruit tree does not bear fruit until it matures. For us this maturity is receiving all that God has for us in His word and through His Spirit. This fruit is righteous deeds that we do for Him, touching hearts and lives and bringing glory and honor to God. It is not something that we strive for; it is just the blessings of God produced through us because of Jesus in us.

Prayer:

Here am I Lord, use me for Your glory and honor. I realize that I cannot force myself to bear fruit, no, it is a biproduct of Your goodness, grace and mercy working through me. I want the world to see Jesus in me, not merely me. Let me be a reflection of Your glory, Amen!