Thought this was great and I would share it for your spiritual journey.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Real Spiritual Maturity Is Gradual
by Rick Warren
“We shall become mature people, reaching to the very
height of Christ's full stature.” (Ephesians 4:13b TEV)
Discipleship is the process of conforming to Christ; your journey will last a lifetime. Every day God wants you to become a little more like him: “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Colossians 3:10a NCV).
Today we’re obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains.
But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Bible says, “Our lives gradually [become] brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18b MSG).
People often build their identity around their defects. We say, “It’s just like me to be …” and “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if I let go of my habit, my hurt, or my hang-up, who will I be? This fear can definitely slow down your growth.
Habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can’t claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind — meaning you show kindness without even thinking about it. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character.
There is only one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: You must practice them — and that takes time! There are no instant habits. Paul urged Timothy,“Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).
Talk It Over
Enjoy today’s devotional? Listen instantly to the full audio message atwww.RickWarren.org/listen.
Did someone forward this Daily Devotional to you? Get your own free subscription to The Daily Hope Devotional, your daily inspiration via email.
Our Gift: The Purpose Driven Life Hardback Book
Since its release The Purpose Driven Life has been translated into 85 different languages and has become the“Bestselling non-fiction hardback book in history” all because of the Christ centered approach the book takes to answering life’s most fundamental question: What on Earth Am I Here For?
MORE
What On Earth Am I Here For?: Complete Series
Who am I? Why am I alive? What am I supposed to do with my life? Join Pastor Rick for this message series on God’s calling for your life as you learn how to discern that calling and use it as a blessing for the church, other people, and in your own life.
MORE
This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series atwww.rickwarren.org.
Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including “The Purpose Driven Church” and “The Purpose Driven Life,” read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America.
This devotional ©2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved.
Follow Us:
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Real Spiritual Maturity Is Gradual
by Rick Warren
“We shall become mature people, reaching to the very
height of Christ's full stature.” (Ephesians 4:13b TEV)
Discipleship is the process of conforming to Christ; your journey will last a lifetime. Every day God wants you to become a little more like him: “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Colossians 3:10a NCV).
Today we’re obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains.
But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Bible says, “Our lives gradually [become] brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18b MSG).
People often build their identity around their defects. We say, “It’s just like me to be …” and “It’s just the way I am.” The unconscious worry is that if I let go of my habit, my hurt, or my hang-up, who will I be? This fear can definitely slow down your growth.
Habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can’t claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind — meaning you show kindness without even thinking about it. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character.
There is only one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: You must practice them — and that takes time! There are no instant habits. Paul urged Timothy,“Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).
Talk It Over
- What are you doing to gradually but consistently grow as a disciple of Christ?
- Who in your life can help and encourage you as you work to develop a habit of Christ-like character?
- What are the character traits that you want to be known for? How can you develop those traits in your life?
Enjoy today’s devotional? Listen instantly to the full audio message atwww.RickWarren.org/listen.
Did someone forward this Daily Devotional to you? Get your own free subscription to The Daily Hope Devotional, your daily inspiration via email.
Our Gift: The Purpose Driven Life Hardback Book
Since its release The Purpose Driven Life has been translated into 85 different languages and has become the“Bestselling non-fiction hardback book in history” all because of the Christ centered approach the book takes to answering life’s most fundamental question: What on Earth Am I Here For?
MORE
What On Earth Am I Here For?: Complete Series
Who am I? Why am I alive? What am I supposed to do with my life? Join Pastor Rick for this message series on God’s calling for your life as you learn how to discern that calling and use it as a blessing for the church, other people, and in your own life.
MORE
This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series atwww.rickwarren.org.
Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including “The Purpose Driven Church” and “The Purpose Driven Life,” read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America.
This devotional ©2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved.
Follow Us:
