So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you will see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. ~ Philippians 3:15-16
There are times in our busy lives when we will be distracted from our ultimate goal of living Christlike and we will lose sight of the kingdom rewards. But we must get back on track and stay focused. This world is filled with distractions and it’s never been so easy to be consistently busy; busy with things that aren’t even going to matter at the end of our life. It is vital that we mature our minds and hearts in God’s word and press on to become more like Him so that we do not get swallowed up in the worldly manner of things and sucked into self reliance and independence. Pray for guidance, trust Him, press into how He has shown us to live so that people become more important to you, second only to Christ, than anything else. A spiritual life without growth will become stagnant and unproductive. Just as a pond becomes swampy, smelling and filthy with no fresh inlet of water flowing in and no outlet for water to flow out of so can the spiritual life be without any renewing, or refreshing of your mind. Spiritual staleness will not produce new life giving growth. As followers of Jesus, we are called to mature in our walk, to grow from newborn infancy into mature adults in Christlikeness. Pauls even suggests later in Philippians that we should strive to the maturity level of even being willing to suffer, or die for Christ. Focus on your daily walk with Jesus and ask Him to help mature your spiritual life to show you where you may not agree with Him and ask Him for clarity. Dive deeper with Jesus and He will meet you. I think it is important to remember that we are called to be givers, helpers, and lovers of people; we are to be selfless in this world full of selfish and worldly desires. We are called to maturity that causes self-denial and possible suffering for the cause of Christ. In Revelation 3:14-17 Jesus comes down hard on the Church at Laodicea: “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” I don’t want Christ to think that of me. I am praying for the maturity of God that sets me ablaze! ~ Amen
