t a recent meeting in Johannesburg, Tyrone Daniel touched on God’s goal for His children. It is not about endurance, success or numbers.
Ephesians 4:11 following says that God has given gifts to equip His church, some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists and pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
The next verse tells us the result: we will no longer be immature like children. How often have we told our earthly children to grow up so that they can function as adults? If this is our desire as natural parents, how much more does our Heavenly Father long for us to be mature.
What happens in the church when we just focus on the gifts and ministry. We miss the real goal. God has maturity in mind not performance.
As children of God, we are not just privileged but with it comes the responsibility of growing up.
In a talk show an American author lamented that we no longer raise adults but eternal teenagers. He tells of how he regularly takes his kids to a farm to do some serious work and to his surprise they not only enjoy the hard work, but grow through it. He no longer has treats them as teenagers but as adults who are able to grow through discipline and by taking responsibility.
We do need to admit that we have issues. Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor (Matthew 5:3). Jesus wants to help to make your paths straight but you need to trust Him with your whole heart. That helps with the growing up process.
Someone related a vision that he had some time ago of a bridegroom who waited excitedly for the arrival of his bride. As she came down the aisle, she was beautiful in her dress with a full veil. As he removed the veil he saw that she was a child bride. The Lord spoke to him, “this is what my Bride looks like, I want to prepare her for my coming”.
So, take a grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame (immature) will not fall but become strong.
It is in speaking the truth in love that we grow up (Ephesians 4:15) and in Hebrews 12:10-13 the writer reminds us that God’s discipline is always good for us so that we may share in His holiness.
“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening, it is painful but afterwards there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
So, take a grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame (immature) will not fall but become strong.”
Note that God’s discipline will reward you with a harvest of peace and righteous living. What an awesome goal and reward.
God’s goal for us is maturity, let’s grow up!