So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ~ Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything. ~ James 1:4 NIV
Daily Bible Reading: Acts 16
As part of the One Million Reasons series Ben challenged us to commit to being part of the team that is committed to growth. Our own growth spiritually, helping others grow, helping our church grow, helping our friends and neighbors grow…
Growth requires intentionality. It does not happen unless we plan and work for it. So, what strategies aid a good plan for spiritual growth? I found some good advice in the charges that David gave to Solomon when he announced that Solomon would be the one to build the temple. First he said, "I charge you to be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God." (1 Chron. 28:8) He continued on saying "acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." (1 Chron. 28:9). Does my life reflect those action words: follow, acknowledge, serve, seek? Does it reflect those adjectives: wholehearted and willing?
After giving instructions, David additionally said, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." (1 Chron. 28:20). Solomon's work in the service of the Lord was to build the temple. Ephesians 2:10 tells us. "we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God wants us to be strong and courageous and do the work he has prepared for us. I take particular encouragement from the reminder that He will not fail or forsake us until the work is finished. So, here is the challenge:
Be strong
Be courageous
Do the work
....to become all God created you to be.
Pray: Lord Jesus, we are your handiwork, your masterpieces in progress. Holy Spirit, strengthen and empower us to recognize and accomplish the good works you prepare for us each day. Help us to build one another up, persevering in seeking you, so that we may be mature and complete not lacking anything. May our faith and actions enable us to be strong and courageous and do the work. Amen