Day 20 – The Path to Christian Maturity
Read: I Thessalonians 5: 16 – 22
In today’s passage Paul mentions several spiritual elements that are all forms of worship – rejoicing, praying, giving thanks, being open to the Holy Spirit, taking prophecies seriously, being spiritually discerning, concentrating on God’s good gifts, and resisting temptation. When we come into the house of the Lord for worship, either in-person or virtually, God expects us to truly participate in worship. Often folks fail to prepare for worship and they are preoccupied with concerns in their life or up-coming events that occupy their attention. They expect to be entertained and can be critical if the worship staff doesn’t put on a good show.
When we are told in verse 16 to “rejoice always” it sounds incredibly difficult and perhaps impossible. We all need the Holy Spirit to help us navigate the dark times that all of us will face in this life. Verse 17 is clear but the pace of our lives can make it difficult to be in a constant attitude of prayer. God expects us to understand that every aspect of our daily life warrants prayer. Don’t miss the important word of “in” as you read verse 18. Be assured that nothing happens in the life of a believer that isn’t caused or permitted by our Heavenly Father. We can truly be thankful when we acknowledge that God works everything, including the most tragic events of our lives, for our good.
Paul ends his letter with a prayer that God will sanctify these new believers. The journey toward complete sanctification is the pattern for a healthy Christian life. God wants to set us apart from this world even though we have to live in it. We can’t sanctify ourselves. It is the task of the Holy Spirit but we must do our part to strive for holiness and not quench the Spirit.
Prayer time: Lord, I can’t deny it. I want to minimize the pain that I see in this life. I would desire my days to be trouble free. I know that you call on me to rejoice in my sufferings because they bring about perseverance, character, and hope (Rom. 5: 3 – 4). I need the Holy Spirit to work in me to create the changes necessary so I have the correct attitude toward suffering and hardships. Also, help me be kind and compassionate to my fellow believers when they are undergoing times of trial and testing so that I can be used by the Holy Spirit to encourage others.
Final thought: It has been said “All sun makes a desert.” God uses the “rain” in our lives to develop us and lead us to maturity. A careful study of God’s purpose in the life of a believer will soon reveal that God’s main goal for his children is not constant happiness. God’s desire is that each of us grow in Christian maturity and become more Christ-like in our behavior and outlook. Are you growing in Christian maturity? Do you see real, positive change in your attitude?