The measure of the stature

MEASURE OF THE STATURE

God wants to be the best kind of a human being he can be through us (James 4:3). He was able to be the best of all through Jesus and he has ‘begun a good work in us’ (Philippians 1:6) – and he wants to win over our will to his (Philippians 2:13). And he has the power to subdue all things in us to transform us to himself (Philippians 3:21). 

THREE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

Before our spiritual growth starts God starts by drawing our hearts from trusting in the world into trusting in him (John 12:32,John 16:8).  

CHILDHOOD – Dependant  - not wanting control but wanting comfort safety and security. Matt 18:3– God accepts and blesses. This is the way to enter into the Kingdom of God. It is not the way God wants us to remain (Hebrews 5:13)

ADOLESCENCE - Needy and often demanding – God responds to us lovingly but firmly, often having to say no. He meets our needs and teaches (disciples) us into maturity (1John 2:27) where dependence starts to get blended with an active receptivity. The lesson is life. The challenge here is that where we once trusted as a child we might now question as an adolescent. We know more facts about spiritual life than before and we start to think more rationally and start to challenge things that challenge us. We can get attached to our idea of what is just or fair for us personally. God says ‘What you call unfairness not all my fault. You can be rational but please be reasonable’. We learn to realize that we can’t solve the paradoxes of life with rational thought alone. A robust faith is expected. 

MATURITY – We learn to live a life of receiving from him in all things with thanksgiving (with some regressions along the way). We are on the way to maturity (Hebrews 5:14) becoming co-labourers with him (1Corinthians 3:9) - God delights in this. The concern becomes not about getting things from God, but rather not getting in the way of God.