Put Away the Measuring Stick

 

By Andrea Merrell

 

Until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Ephesians 4:13 NLT

 

I smiled when my daughter-in-law showed me a piece of door frame she had taken from her old house. It was used as a measuring stick to mark the growth of her three girls over several years.

A measuring stick can be useful for a number of things except when it comes to our growth in the Lord. The danger comes when we continually compare our knowledge and accomplishments with  others and even ourselves. In fact, the Bible says:

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)

The truth is Jesus is our example, our standard. And our only gauge should be the Word of God.

One writer says that when we continually measure our worth to God by what we do (performance-based living), we will live in a constant state of regret, devoid of the Lord’s gifts of joy and peace.

So what is the answer? Put away your measuring stick and your checklist. Jesus didn’t ask Peter, “What did you do for me today?” Instead, He asked Peter, “Do you love me?”

He’s asking you the same question today. If the answer is a resounding yes, that’s all that matters.

Photo by Michael Myers on Unsplash

It Takes Time to Grow

By Andrea Merrell

Oh, my dear children! I feel as if I’m going 

through labor pains for you again, and they will continue 

until Christ is fully developed in your lives.

Galatians 4:19 NLT 

A young mother expressed concern because her baby boy wasn’t progressing as fast as her sister’s child. “Jill is already saying words and walking, and she’s younger than Mark. Do you think there’s something wrong with my son?”

The answer was no. Statistics say that girls generally progress faster than boys but in truth, everyone and everything matures at a different rate. Whether plant, animal, or person, it takes time to grow.

Too many times when we see another believer still living a carnal lifestyle, we’re tempted to criticize and judge. “He should be a more mature Christian by now. What’s wrong with him?”

Probably nothing. Maybe he’s having “growing pains.”

There will always be the proverbial battle between the flesh and the spirit. That’s why we’re told to work out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). It’s a process, not an event. A marathon, not a sprint. And it takes time and effort.

Paul said his labor pains would continue until Christ was fully developed in the life of the early believers. God is the only one who knows how long that will take in each one of us. Until that time, He will patiently and lovingly nurture us as we become more and more Christlike.

If you’re not where you want to be—or think you should be—spiritually, don’t be discouraged. Keep on seeking the Lord with all your heart. And remember ...

It takes time to grow.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and domdeen.)

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If you’re not where you want to be—or think you should be—spiritually, don’t be discouraged. It takes time to grow. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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