Meditate. Where are you spiritually?
Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these
things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.
But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. Philippians
3:15-16
Do you automatically become spiritually mature because you
are getting old? Not so, my friend. Spiritual maturity comes from yielding one’s
own desires to following the Lord’s will. This is illustrated in the parable
that Jesus told about the sower who the sprinkled seeds that fell on a path, in
rocks and in a fertile field. Here’s the story. The spiritually mature are those
people with honest hearts who hear God’s word and respond to it in a positive way,
like those with fertile soil who produce healthy plants.
A farmer went out to
plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a
footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among
rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of
moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the
tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and
produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!"
When he had said this, he called out, "Anyone with ears to hear should
listen and understand." His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of
God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be
fulfilled: 'When they look, they won't really see. When they hear, they won't
understand.' "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word.
The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only
to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from
believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear
the message and receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they
believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds
that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too
quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of
this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the
good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to
it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:5-15
As Paul wrote to the Philippians, hold onto the progress
you’ve made in becoming spiritually mature. As Paul wrote to Timothy, work at your tasks—spiritual
tasks—so that others can see your progress. Your progress towards maturity.
Give your complete
attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone
will see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15
But the Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against
these things! Galatians 5:22-23
Are you making progress towards spiritual maturity?
Prayer ~ Lord, Help me to faithfully keep my focus on
You and ways that I can please You as I grow more mature spiritually.
Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live
and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own
salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16
Is it your goal this year to memorize scripture? A verse a week. That would be 50-52 verses for the year. You can choose the translation which you use...King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), or even New Living Translation (NLT). Here's a verse with which to begin.
Memory Verse of the Week: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
© 2022 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
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