PUT ON A NEW NATURE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:24 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
How do we “put on your new nature?”
We play a major part in our development into the image of Christ. We have a role to play in developing the character of Christ in our lives.
I believe there are four key elements involved in our spiritual maturity—God’s Word, God’s Spirit, God’s family, and circumstances of life. First, we begin our growth process by spending time in the Word of God. God’s Word is our source of truth, so we need a foundation on which to base our decisions and behaviors.
Secondly, we need the spend time with the Spirit of God in worship and prayer. We need to learn to talk to God and listen to the Spirit of God. We must develop spiritually sensitive ears.
Thirdly, we need to surround ourselves with other people who want to mature in their faith. We need to be a committed part of a local church and connected in a small group of people that we can do life together with.
Fourth, we need to realize that God most often used difficult circumstances in our lives to develop His character in us. Growth comes when we endure difficult times and dive into the Word of God, listen to the Spirit of God, and seek help from other believers.
In some religions the most spiritual people are viewed as those who move into monasteries to separate themselves from the real world. But that is not how spiritual maturity is developed.
We can’t develop spiritual maturity simply by reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. Those are necessary but only half the equation. We must have other people in our lives, and we must walk through various circumstances of life to develop the character of Christ.
Don’t fight what you are going through. Embrace this chance to grow.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I need You to remind me that every difficulty is a chance for growth. Help me to grow today.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”