Good morning people who continue to grow up in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:28-29 NIV He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

The word mature means ‘complete, perfected, brought to its end, finished.’

Paul had a passionate desire to see people encounter Jesus and to be saved. The gospel was something he was willing to give his life for.

But his passion did not stop with people making a decision to accept Jesus. His passion extended to people becoming more like Jesus; becoming mature in Christ.

Maturity is evident when someone increases in their revelation of the truth that they are complete in Christ; they lack nothing if they have Jesus. A mature life is a Christ-dependent life and a Christ-sufficient life.

Maturity is evident by an increased awareness of the Holy Spirit speaking and prompting. Maturity is measured by the quickness of our response and obedience to the Holy Spirit, including in our repentance after we have been disobedient.

Maturity is evident by an increased YES in our hearts and lives to the Father’s plans and purposes. Maturity is seen in a life of people who deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus – whenever, wherever, however.

The end of our natural life should be marked by spiritual maturity, not just by natural age. Having become more like Jesus should be the testimony of our life when all is finished and we are promoted into eternity.