Real Mature: What You Can Do to Grow Your FaithSample

One of the many amazing things about God is the truth that good things come from growing and being with Him. As we mature in our faith, there are good things that come from it. 

Have you ever found yourself liking things simply because someone you care about likes it? Maybe you follow a team because someone you know plays on it or roots for it. Maybe you watch that show because someone you care about loves it. When we care about others, we tend to align our hearts with things they care about too. 

The same principle is true in our relationship with God. The more we lean into Him and His heart, the more we begin to see the good things that come from that. 

If you are digging your roots into Him you might see something crazy happen in your life. You might treat others differently. You might invest your resources differently. You might find yourself praying more or reaching out to others. When we see how He treats us, one of the great things is we can be that for others. That’s good news. Even the darkest heart has hope in Jesus. And even the darkest heart can change because of Him. 

Let’s use one practical example. 2020 has been, well challenging. Pandemics. Cultural issues. Fires. Politics. The trial of 2020 is one that is marking our souls. How we choose to handle it will affect who we are not only today, but in the future. In 1 Peter we read that “…even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Peter 1:6-7) 

Peter is sharing with us that trials actually lead us closer to Jesus. If we are growing in our maturity we see that and even appreciate that He takes bad things and makes them good. If we are not being real mature, then we whine and make it about ourselves. Our maturity and perspective goes a long way in shaping how we handle things in life.  

Think about it: 

What are some things you like just because someone you know loves it too? 

What are some things that God loves that you are learning to love too? 

How can you lean into Him more to discover the good things He has for you? 

Pray: 

God, thank you that you do good things in my life as I lean into you. Help me to see that, God. Give me hope in knowing that you have good things for me as I grow with you. Lord, I’m not perfect, but you are. Help me to see the world the way you do and lead my life in such a way that shows how much you love me. Amen.