Growing Up
July 27, 2009

“But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into him, who is the head, even Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15

Sometimes we try to separate our spiritual growth from various other aspects of our life. So my career doesn’t have anything to do with my Christianity, or my friendships shouldn’t be impacted by my spiritual state, or my emotions aren’t tied into my belief system, etc.

But the fact is, if we are to mature in our faith and become like Christ, our spiritual growth has to touch each and every area of our lives. We have to grow up “in all aspects” into Christ-likeness. That means:

• How we relate to and within our family.
  
• How we choose our friends and the nature of those friendships.
  
• How we select our career, how we act on the job, and how we relate with our associates.
  
• How we treat our physical bodies.
• How we understand and are affected by our emotions.
  
• How we use money.
• How we elect to relax and what we choose for entertainment.

The list goes on and on. Everything in life should be a target for spiritual growth. Every aspect of our lives should reflect the light of Christ to a darkened world.

• How would you judge your own level of spiritual maturity? Don’t be pseudo-modest, and don’t be proud. Take a careful look at your life and give an honest answer.
  
• In what aspects of your life are you currently experiencing growth? What are you doing to encourage that growth?
  
• Are there any aspects of your life that you would prefer that God not take too close a look at? That you would prefer that he ignore? If so, what are they, and why? What will you do about that?