Good morning disciples of Jesus Christ

Spiritual growth can only be accurately measured by answering these two questions: Is my relationship with God getting better? Am I becoming more like Jesus? These questions address the issues of intimacy and character.

Only God and you can truly answer the question about intimacy. Often people see powerful gifts and equate that to a deep level of spirituality. Indeed it might be due to the individual being intimate with God but it is also possible that they are just gifted people. There is no substitute for a walk with God that is getting better and there is nothing that is eternally worthwhile in our lives if it does not come from lives that are lived in relationship with the One who made us. Intimacy is essential.

Other people can correctly judge our character, often times better than we can. Again, this is not about gifts; the Bible says ‘it is by their fruit (not gifts) that you will know them. I am talking about us being more like Jesus in our character. Questions need to be asked like:

Am I more patient than I used to be? Am I more self-controlled? Do I walk in greater peace? Am I more joy-filled than I was a year ago? Refer Galatians 5:22-23 for a complete list of the fruit of the Spirit (God’s character and nature that should be growing in us).

My friends, I am not speaking from a place of perfection; I am far from that. I am acutely aware of my need for God as I pray you are also. I simply want to remind us all again to continue to grow up in Christ, to come to maturity, to go deeper as a disciple of Jesus Christ. After all, this is what it is all about.

“Father may I always walk closely to you and may the greatest desire of my heart be to know You more and to become more like You. I know that in so doing I will bring You pleasure. I love you Father.”