In Ephesians 4, you will read about Apostle Paul earnestly beckoning believers to seek maturity in Christ. This maturity comes from spending time in studying the word of God, praying fervently in all kinds of prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to invade your life, direct you and lead you to an understanding of the truth in Christ Jesus. This advice is so important especially in our world today where you seem to have religious organizations popping left and right. There’s a desperation for men and women of God to ‘prosper’ and some are literally convoluting the word of God with their own doctrine that is not of Christ. A lot of men and women of God are called, but many have not been sent. That is a whole message for another day.
Many people are desperate for answers to their problems and afflictions and rightly so, who would want to keep suffering? But, seeking just the solution to your problems and not understanding how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ will lead you into the wrong sects and misguided teachings.
Ephesians 4:14-15 NIV teaches us best:
“14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ”
Here’s my encouragement to you, that you will desire to grow in Christ Jesus so you do not become a religious victim this year. When you are grounded in the Scripture, Prayer and walking with the Holy Spirit, you will know when you meet or see a preacher or some self-proclaimed men and women of God if they are truly operating under the authority of the Holy Spirit or something else. Don’t forget that Jesus Himself said that “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”, John 14:26 NIV.
So, who’s teaching you this year and who are you learning from? I pray for you that the Lord will stir up a grace in your life this year that will propel you to earnestly seek Him, study His word and mature into becoming more like Him. I decree it is so and it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.