Week of December 8, 2023

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 1:37 NKJV)”

We have our progress in life measured in many ways. In school we are given tests and at work we are given evaluations. A doctor can give an examination to check many physical matters. But how do we measure our spiritual growth? As Jesus grew from an infant to a child to an adult he “increased in favor with God and men”. He not only pleased His Father but people admired His wisdom, they appreciated His compassion. There is nothing wrong with acting like a baby when you are an infant, but it is the obligation of the believer, of every believer, to strive for maturity.

The longer we walk with Christ the more we should relate to others as He does. As you are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, your heavenly Father will become increasingly satisfied with your obedience to Him. It is helpful for you to measure the progress in your spiritual life from time to time. A good way to evaluate your spiritual growth is to ask mature Christians around you if your actions reveal spiritual maturity. It is imperative that you ask God to evaluate your spiritual maturity and that you never become satisfied with less than a fully developed relationship with God.

God Bless, Pastor Rick