Kong Hee: God's Great FamilySample

Growing Up In God’s Family How many times have you been told to grow up? Maybe it was a parent, a sibling, a friend, or maybe even a spouse, but you can probably identify with the frustrating experience of having someone look at you and utter those two words: Grow up. The reason this phrase can be frustrating is because people know when they are not acting right. Growing up is not a bad thing. In fact, it is the right thing, it is natural, it is good, it is what people are meant to do. Another word for growing up is maturing. Maturing is like a young sapling becoming a towering oak tree, or a young, simple grape becoming a richly complex wine. God made you to mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Ephesians 4:12-13 says God’s people are meant to mature together in the knowledge and grace of Christ, and to become mature, attaining “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” God looks at His children and essentially says, “Grow up.” This is not a condescending command, but the loving direction of a Father who knows what is best for you. Part of growing up in Christ takes place within a local church. This is not a one-time event, but the process that occurs as you commit to live in close relationship with other Christians. Together, God’s children will come to know Him more fully, and the world will look on and see the gospel of Christ in action. Prayer for the day: Today, thank God for loving you enough to help you grow up. Pray that you will continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ as you live in fellowship with other Christians, and ask God to make you an example of a mature Christian for His glory.