But you are called to something higher: “Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (MSG)“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”“Be perfect as I am perfect (Be mature as I am mature).” Matt 5:48
The invitation is clear. Father God desires to see you walking in your truest form; to grow up in the ways of kingdom living (maturity). Maturity isn’t someone who has obtained perfection or has “arrived.” It is someone who chooses to be processed; who places themselves on the anvil of life.
You’re going to get there! Let’s declare that today: I am going to get there. Say it again!
But getting there from here requires multiple steps and if you skip them you won’t be the best you, you can be. We must remember that God is wanting to grow and mature us.
Here are 4 don’ts if you are in a process:
1. Don't wish you were in someone else's process. So many people get stuck in their process and want to quit (not realizing they will repeat it) because they constantly want to be somewhere or someone else. LISTEN: Stop comparing your start with someone else’s finish. That’s a word worth holding onto. All of us want the opportunity to be made mature when our hearts feel alive. We don’t get electives on when (what season) we are maturing in the Lord.
2. Don't resist the lessons. Father is trying to teach you in your process. Have you ever felt like God gave you an assignment that didn’t fit your life? “Why is this so hard? What am I suppose to be learning?” If we can’t do the small mundane things of Christianity, we won’t be given more to steward. Cultivate faithfulness even when “it” doesn’t feel right. When it is hard, don’t run, stay and plug-in.
3. Don’t rush the process. Rushing growth is a sign we really don’t understand the vision toward which we are growing. Remember who you are and your purpose. You are Sons and Daughters of a powerful kingdom learning to be free and reveal who He is.
4. Don’t skip any steps.
Take one step at a time, one day at a time, week at a time, month, year at a time.
You are going to get there!
Filled with Hope,
PA