DAY 13 / THE DAILY CHOICE

Ephesians 4:11-16

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

We’ve stopped saying that time heals all wounds, but we cling to another myth – that time will make us grow up. Yet life points to the contrary. There are too many graying adults still walking around with the same habits and complacency they’ve carried since high school. It seems calendars cannot create maturity, only the opportunity for it. Without taking steps towards growth, we drift – vulnerable and unanchored – like someone clinging to a pool raft in the middle of the Atlantic.

The key to spiritual growth isn’t simply time but cooperation. The daily choice of allowing God to renew our minds, strengthen our faith, and comfort our hearts. Whether in seasons of accelerated or slow, almost imperceivable growth, God’s grace will meet us. So, the question is never whether He’s at work, but whether we’re willing to open our hearts to it.

PRAY

Ask the Lord to reveal anything that may be hindering His work in your life – unconfessed sin, resentment, or destructive habits or thoughts – and turn back to Him in repentance and trust.

Pray that God would bring you into a season that matures you in every way, shaping you into the fullness of Christ.