For any of us who are history buffs, we know that some of the greatest tragedies of war and destruction known to man have come as a result of the most trivial matters, through very immature persons who just happened to be in power. Sad to say that we do not have to go much farther than our daily news outlets to be baffled that much of the same is still prevalent today.
Ephesians 4: 14 – 16: says, “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow in all aspects into Him (Jesus), Who is the Head, even Christ (Jesus), from Whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” We see from these verses that the Lord has planned healthy maturity for each individual member for the building up within His Body.
1 Peter 2: 1 – 5: says, “So be done with every trace of wickedness (moral corruption, intentional harmful or evil act) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of any kind). Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk of the Word of God, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto (complete) Salvation, if (since) you have (already) tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord. Come to Him as to a Living Stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the Sight of the God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Psalm 92: 12 – 15: tells us, “The uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like the palm tree (be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful); they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon (majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible). Planted in the House of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Growing in Grace) they shall still bring fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and (rich in the) verdure (of trust, love, and contentment). (They are living memorials) to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
2 Peter 3: 18: says, “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall away from your own steadfastness, but grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the Glory, both now and to the day of Eternity. Amen.
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so much for overseeing us in our growing pains for the benefit of Your purposes and plans within Your Body. Thank You that we may be testimonies of Your faithfulness in this generation which You have called us into being. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and enable us to look intently at Your Word of Truth, to see where we may need Your Grace to grow up into all aspects of Your Salvation. May we by Your Grace become the living stones through which You may be greatly glorified forever! Glory to You alone!
