Maturity: August 8, 2013

TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 8, 2013.

MATURITY

DEFINITION:

Complete in natural growth; ripe; fully developed.

SCRIPTURE:

Behold a sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, some  seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up; some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth; and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root they withered away.  Matthew 13:3-6.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

In the life of a tree the major key to survival is for that tree to have more roots than shoots. If a tree puts on a lot of top growth and few roots it is usually unable to get the needed water and nourishment to sustain itself so that it can grow to maturity.

A tree that puts down a great deal of roots and adds shoots more slowly has a chance to live longer and have more resistance to stress and strain.

The lives of people can be likened to that of a tree. Someone might seem to be on a fast track for success but if they neglect to establish a healthy base they most likely will fail. People, just like trees that put up shoots faster than they put down roots, are fragile and in danger of breaking, falling or dying.

In the parable told by Jesus in Mark 4, the seed that fell on rocky soil sprang up quickly but soon withered and died because it had no roots. In His explanation of the parable Jesus said some people are like the seed sown on rocky soil because upon hearing God's Word they receive it quickly and joyfully, but they last only a short time because they do not develop any spiritual roots. Roots are not the least bit attractive but they are the source for strength that makes the rest of the plant productive.

We can learn from this illustration of trees and this parable that Jesus taught as to the importance of becoming mature believers in Christ. Maturity comes by hard work. Maturity in our spiritual life comes from reading and studying the Bible.

Trees need the nourishment that they receive through their roots in order to grow. In order for us to grow in our spiritual maturity, believers need the nourishment that comes from the roots of their faith that has been given to us in God's Word. That is why it is not only important but necessary to read God's Word daily.

The more we study and learn the truths taught in God's Word the more mature we will become. Maturity comes through prayer. We need to communicate with our Lord and He will respond according to our needs and empower us through His Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. When God answers prayer in our lives our faith cannot help but be increased and deepened. Maturity also comes by putting our faith into action. We need to be a witness of our faith to those we see every day. The more we serve Him the more spiritually mature we will become.

It should be the goal of every believer to become spiritually mature. Peter instructs us in II Peter 3:18 to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." If our roots grow deep in the knowledge of God we will have the spiritual strength and maturity to resist evil and survive the storms of adversity. The roots of stability come from being grounded in God's Word and in daily prayer.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Ephesians 6:10.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

PRAYER

Lord keep me and my family from being envious of the bright lights of evil that shine in our world. Help us to use the resources You have given us to put down deep spiritual roots that will make us strong rather than just growing branches that make us attractive only.