“God wants us to grow up . . . like Christ in everything. — Ephesians. 4:15”
Many Christians grow older but never grow up. God wants us to mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. This requires a strong commitment because we become whatever we are committed to.
1) God’s part and your part
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” — Php 2:12
This verse shows the two parts of spiritual growth: “work out” and “work in.” The “work out” is your responsibility, and the “work in” is God’s role.
You will need to let go of some old routines and develop some new habits.
2) Changing your autopilot
“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” — Proverbs 4:23
There is a better and easier way: Change your autopilot — the way you think To change your life, you must change the way you think. The way you think determines the way you feel, the way you feel influences the way you act.
Paul said, “There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.” — Ephesians 4:23
We are commanded to “think the same way that Christ Jesus thought.” (Philippians 2:5). There are two parts to doing this.
- Stop thinking about immature thoughts: These thoughts are self-centered and self-seeking. The Bible says that selfish thinking is the source of sinful behavior.
“Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want.” — Romans 8:5
2. Start thinking about mature thoughts: which focus on others, not yourself. Paul concluded that thinking of others is the mark of maturity:
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” — 1 Corinthians 13
Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness and the best evidence of spiritual growth.
The Bible says, “We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. Even Christ did not try to please himself.” — Romans 15:2
